HS Code:
The category 'Containing by weight more than 90 percent of silicon' (likely corresponding to HS Code 2804.61) includes high-purity silicon, primarily used in the semiconductor industry for manufacturing electronic components like chips and solar cells. This category is critical to technology and renewable energy sectors due to silicon's role as a foundational material in electronics and photovoltaic systems. Global trade in this category is driven by demand for advanced technology and sustainable energy solutions.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $10.5 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and International Trade Centre (ITC)
$3.2 billion USD
30.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$1.8 billion USD
17.1% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$1.5 billion USD
14.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$1.2 billion USD
11.4% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$0.9 billion USD
8.6% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
5.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing countries to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-Japan EPA or USMCA)
Rising demand for solar-grade silicon
Increased trade volume due to global push for renewable energy, particularly in solar panel production
2021-2022
Semiconductor industry growth
Higher demand for ultra-pure silicon driven by consumer electronics and automotive sectors (e.g., electric vehicles)
2020-2022
Supply chain diversification
Countries are seeking alternative suppliers to reduce reliance on single exporters like China amid geopolitical tensions
2022
China introduced tighter export controls on high-purity silicon to prioritize domestic semiconductor and solar industries.
October 2022
Increased global prices and supply shortages, prompting importers to explore alternative sources.
The European Union's Green Deal initiatives have led to higher imports of silicon for solar panel manufacturing as part of renewable energy targets.
March 2023
Strengthened trade ties with major exporters like China and Germany.
The US CHIPS and Science Act allocates funding to bolster domestic semiconductor production, impacting silicon import patterns.
August 2022
Potential reduction in import dependency over the long term, though short-term imports remain high.