HS Code:
Articles of natural cork (HS Code: 4503) include products such as cork stoppers, blocks, plates, sheets, and other items made primarily from natural cork. These products are widely used in the wine and beverage industry for bottle stoppers, as well as in construction and manufacturing for insulation and decorative purposes. Natural cork is valued for its sustainability, biodegradability, and unique physical properties like elasticity and impermeability.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $1.2 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
$650 million USD
54.2% of global trade of total trade
Increasing
$200 million USD
16.7% of global trade of total trade
Stable
$100 million USD
8.3% of global trade of total trade
Increasing
$80 million USD
6.7% of global trade of total trade
Stable
$50 million USD
4.2% of global trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
4.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU internal trade)
Growing demand for sustainable packaging
Increased use of natural cork stoppers in the wine industry as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic closures
2021-2023
Technological advancements in cork processing
Improved quality and reduced production costs, boosting competitiveness against synthetic alternatives
2020-2022
Shift towards premium wine markets
Higher demand for high-quality cork stoppers in premium wine-producing regions like France and Italy
2019-2023
The European Union introduced stricter sustainability and traceability requirements for natural cork products to ensure environmentally friendly harvesting practices.
March 2023
Potential increase in production costs for exporters but improved market access for compliant producers
Portugal announced a $50 million investment in modernizing cork harvesting and processing facilities to maintain its global dominance.
July 2022
Expected to increase export capacity and reinforce Portugalโs market leadership
The United States reduced tariffs on natural cork products from 6% to 3% under a new trade agreement with the EU.
January 2023
Likely to boost imports of cork products into the US market, benefiting EU exporters