HS Code:
The category 'Containing over 20 percent but not over 50 percent of alcohol by weight' typically includes alcoholic beverages such as spirits, liqueurs, and fortified wines that fall within this specific alcohol content range. Products under this Harmonized System (HS) code are subject to varying regulations and tariffs due to their alcohol content, which often categorizes them as higher-strength beverages requiring stricter import/export controls and taxation. This category is significant in global trade due to the popularity of spirits and specialty drinks in international markets.
Total Trade Volume
USD 12.5 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 3.2 billion
25.6% of total trade
Increasing
USD 2.8 billion
22.4% of total trade
Stable
USD 1.9 billion
15.2% of total trade
Increasing
USD 1.5 billion
12.0% of total trade
Increasing
USD 0.9 billion
7.2% of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
15.3%
Highest Rate
35% (applied by certain Middle Eastern countries with strict alcohol import policies)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU internal trade or USMCA)
Rising demand for premium and craft spirits
Increased exports of high-value products from countries like the UK and France, driving up trade volumes in this alcohol content category.
2021-2022
Shift toward low-alcohol and non-alcoholic alternatives
Slightly reduced growth in mid-range alcohol content products as consumers opt for lighter beverages, though premium spirits remain unaffected.
2020-2022
E-commerce and direct-to-consumer sales growth
Facilitated cross-border trade of specialty spirits and liqueurs, boosting smaller exporters in this category.
2021-2023
The United States and European Union agreed to suspend retaliatory tariffs on spirits and other goods as part of broader trade negotiations, easing export costs for products in this category.
June 2021
Increased trade flows between the US and EU, particularly benefiting exporters of whiskey and cognac.
India introduced stricter labeling and certification requirements for imported alcoholic beverages, impacting products with over 20% alcohol content.
March 2023
Potential delays and increased compliance costs for exporters targeting the Indian market.
Mexico reported a record increase in tequila exports, driven by demand in the US and Europe for products within this alcohol content range.
January 2023
Strengthened Mexico's position as a key player in this category, with significant growth in trade volume.