HS Code:
Carving and butcher steels, with or without handles, fall under the Harmonized System (HS) Code 8205.51. These are specialized tools primarily used for sharpening knives and other cutting implements in butchery, culinary, and related industries. Typically made of high-carbon steel or stainless steel, these tools are essential for maintaining the precision and effectiveness of cutting equipment. They are widely used in meat processing industries, professional kitchens, and households. Global trade in this category reflects demand driven by the food processing and hospitality sectors, with variations based on regional culinary practices and industrial needs.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $150 million USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database & International Trade Centre (ITC)
$40 million USD
26.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$30 million USD
20.0% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$25 million USD
16.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$15 million USD
10.0% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$10 million USD
6.7% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing countries to protect local manufacturing)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as EU-USMCA or within the EU single market)
Rising demand for stainless steel variants
Increased preference for corrosion-resistant materials in humid and high-use environments, boosting trade in premium products from countries like Germany and Japan.
2021-2022
Growth in meat processing industries in Asia-Pacific
Higher exports to countries like China and India as their meat processing sectors expand, driving demand for cost-effective tools from Chinese manufacturers.
2020-2022
Shift towards ergonomic designs
Manufacturers are focusing on user-friendly handles to reduce fatigue, increasing the market share of innovative products from the US and EU.
2019-2022
The European Union introduced provisional anti-dumping duties on carving and butcher steels from China, citing unfair pricing practices that harmed local manufacturers.
March 2023
This is expected to reduce Chinese imports into the EU, potentially increasing market share for German and French producers.
Updates to the USMCA agreement have streamlined tariff-free trade of butcher steels among the US, Canada, and Mexico, enhancing regional supply chains.
January 2023
This facilitates increased trade volume within North America, benefiting US exporters.
Several German manufacturers have introduced eco-friendly production processes for carving steels, using recycled materials and reducing carbon footprints.
September 2022
This aligns with global sustainability goals, potentially increasing demand in environmentally conscious markets like the EU.