HS Code:
The category of Automatic Data Processing (ADP) machines and units thereof, including magnetic or optical readers, machines for transcribing data onto data media in coded form, and machines for processing such data, not elsewhere specified or included (HS Code: 8471), encompasses a wide range of computer hardware and peripheral devices. This includes desktop computers, laptops, servers, storage devices, and data processing units that form the backbone of modern IT infrastructure across industries. These products are critical to global digitalization, business operations, education, and personal use, driving significant demand worldwide.
Total Trade Volume
USD 450 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database, International Trade Centre (ITC)
USD 150 billion
33.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 80 billion
17.8% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 45 billion
10.0% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 30 billion
6.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 25 billion
5.6% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
3.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
10% (applied by certain developing countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under WTO Information Technology Agreement - ITA)
Increased demand for cloud computing hardware
Significant growth in server and storage device exports, particularly from Taiwan and China, as businesses shift to cloud-based solutions.
2021-2022
Rise of remote work and e-learning
Boosted imports of laptops and personal computing devices in North America and Europe, with sustained demand post-pandemic.
2020-2022
Supply chain diversification
Manufacturers are relocating production to Southeast Asia (e.g., Vietnam) to mitigate risks from US-China trade tensions, impacting traditional trade flows.
2022
The United States imposed additional tariffs on Chinese ADP products as part of ongoing trade disputes, prompting supply chain shifts to other Asian countries.
Mid-2022
Increased production costs for Chinese exporters and accelerated diversification of manufacturing bases.
More countries joined the ITA, agreeing to eliminate tariffs on IT products, including ADP machines, fostering freer trade in this category.
Early 2023
Reduced trade barriers, benefiting exporters like Taiwan and South Korea in emerging markets.
A persistent shortage of semiconductors has constrained the production of ADP machines, leading to delays and higher prices globally.
2021-2023
Slowed export growth and increased costs for end consumers, particularly affecting server and laptop markets.