HS Code:
Copper Clad Laminates (CCL) are composite materials used as the base material for printed circuit boards (PCBs) in electronics. They consist of a thin layer of copper foil bonded to an insulating substrate, typically made of fiberglass or other materials. Classified under HS Code 7410.21, CCLs are critical in the manufacturing of consumer electronics, automotive systems, telecommunications equipment, and industrial machinery. The global trade of CCLs is driven by the demand for electronics and advancements in technology, with significant production and consumption concentrated in Asia.
Total Trade Volume
USD 15.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
International Trade Centre (ITC) Trade Map and UN Comtrade Database
USD 6.8 billion
44.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 2.3 billion
15.1% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 1.9 billion
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 1.5 billion
9.9% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 0.8 billion
5.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (imposed by certain developing countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like USMCA and EU-Japan EPA)
Rising demand for high-frequency CCLs
Driven by 5G technology and IoT devices, manufacturers are shifting toward advanced materials to support higher data speeds and miniaturization, increasing trade in specialized laminates.
2021-2023
Supply chain diversification
Geopolitical tensions and trade wars have prompted companies to diversify supply chains away from single-country reliance, boosting production in Southeast Asia and Europe.
2020-2022
Sustainability focus
Growing emphasis on eco-friendly materials and recycling processes in CCL production due to regulatory pressures in the EU and North America, influencing trade patterns.
2022-2023
The United States imposed additional tariffs on Chinese copper clad laminates as part of broader trade measures, citing unfair trade practices and overcapacity concerns.
May 2023
Increased costs for US electronics manufacturers, potential shift of imports to South Korea and Taiwan.
Several major CCL manufacturers from China and Taiwan have set up new facilities in Vietnam to bypass tariffs and reduce dependency on Chinese supply chains.
September 2022
Expected to boost Vietnam’s export share in the global CCL market over the next 3-5 years.
The European Union introduced stricter environmental regulations under the Green Deal, mandating sustainable sourcing and production processes for CCLs imported into the region.
January 2023
Higher compliance costs for exporters, potential trade barriers for non-compliant suppliers.