HS Code:
Cadmium, classified under HS Code 8107, includes unwrought cadmium, cadmium powders, and cadmium waste and scrap. It is a soft, bluish-white metal primarily used in batteries (especially nickel-cadmium batteries), pigments, coatings, and as a stabilizer in plastics. Due to its toxicity, cadmium usage is heavily regulated in many countries, impacting its trade patterns. Global trade in cadmium is relatively niche but significant in industries like electronics and renewable energy storage.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $150 million USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and International Trade Centre (ITC)
$45 million USD
30% of global trade of total trade
Increasing
$25 million USD
16.7% of global trade of total trade
Stable
$20 million USD
13.3% of global trade of total trade
Decreasing
$15 million USD
10% of global trade of total trade
Stable
$10 million USD
6.7% of global trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-Japan EPA)
Shift towards sustainable alternatives
Demand for cadmium in batteries is declining due to the rise of lithium-ion technology and stricter environmental regulations.
2021-2023
Increased recycling efforts
Growth in cadmium recovery from used batteries and industrial waste is reducing dependency on primary production.
2020-2022
Rising demand in solar energy
Cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film solar panels are driving niche demand, particularly in markets focused on renewable energy.
2022-2023
The European Union has introduced stricter limits on cadmium content in consumer products under the REACH regulation, targeting a further reduction by 2024.
June 2023
Expected to reduce cadmium imports into the EU by 15-20%, pushing manufacturers to seek alternatives.
China announced investments in cadmium refining to meet domestic demand for battery and solar panel production.
March 2023
Likely to increase global supply, potentially lowering prices but raising environmental concerns.
The United States introduced a 7% tariff on cadmium imports from non-FTA countries to protect domestic industries.
September 2022
May shift trade flows towards FTA partners like Canada and Mexico, affecting Asian exporters.