HS Code:
12-Aminododecanoic acid lactam, also known as laurolactam, is a cyclic amide used primarily as a monomer in the production of nylon-12, a high-performance polyamide. Nylon-12 is valued for its flexibility, chemical resistance, and low moisture absorption, making it ideal for applications in automotive parts, industrial coatings, and medical devices. This product falls under HS Code 2933.79.00, categorized within heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen hetero-atoms. Global trade of this chemical is influenced by industrial demand for specialty polymers and regional production capacities.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $250 million USD
Data from 2022
Source
UN Comtrade Database and International Trade Centre (ITC)
$80 million USD
32% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$60 million USD
24% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$40 million USD
16% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$30 million USD
12% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$20 million USD
8% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
10% (applied by certain developing countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-Japan EPA)
Growing demand for nylon-12 in automotive lightweighting
Increased trade volume as manufacturers seek high-performance materials for fuel efficiency
2021-2022
Shift towards sustainable production methods
Rising interest in bio-based laurolactam, affecting traditional supply chains
2022
Regional production expansion in Asia-Pacific
China and South Korea increasing output, leading to competitive pricing pressures
2020-2022
The European Union updated REACH requirements for chemical imports, including 12-Aminododecanoic acid lactam, mandating detailed safety data sheets and compliance certifications.
June 2023
Increased compliance costs for exporters to the EU, potentially reducing trade volumes from non-compliant countries.
A major chemical manufacturer opened a state-of-the-art facility for laurolactam production in Jiangsu Province, aiming to double output by 2025.
March 2023
Expected to shift trade dynamics by increasing China's export share, potentially lowering global prices.
Recent negotiations included discussions on reducing tariffs for specialty chemicals, including laurolactam, to ease supply chain constraints.
September 2023
Possible reduction in tariff barriers, boosting bilateral trade between the two largest economies.