HS Code:
The category 'Cubes and the like, the largest surface area of which is capable of being enclosed in a square the side of which is 30cm or less' typically includes small cubic or similarly shaped items, often used for decorative purposes, children's toys, or educational tools (e.g., building blocks, dice, or puzzle cubes like Rubik’s Cube). These products fall under specific Harmonized System (HS) codes depending on material and purpose, often within chapters like 95 (toys, games, and sports requisites) or 39 (plastics). This category is characterized by lightweight, portable items with significant global demand in the toy and educational sectors.
Total Trade Volume
USD 1.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 650 million
54.2% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 120 million
10.0% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 100 million
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 80 million
6.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 60 million
5.0% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing countries to protect local toy industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-Japan EPA or USMCA)
Rising demand for educational toys
Increased exports of STEM-related cube products like puzzle cubes and building blocks, especially in North America and Europe
2021-2022
Shift to eco-friendly materials
Growing preference for wooden or biodegradable plastic cubes, influencing production in countries like Germany and Japan
2020-2022
E-commerce boom
Direct-to-consumer sales of branded cubes (e.g., Rubik’s Cube) have surged, benefiting exporters with strong online presence like China
2020-2022
The European Union updated its Toy Safety Directive, imposing stricter chemical limits on plastic cubes and similar products to ensure child safety.
June 2023
Exporters to the EU, particularly from China and Vietnam, face higher compliance costs, potentially reducing profit margins.
A partial reduction in tariffs on toy categories under HS Chapter 95 was negotiated, easing export pressures for Chinese cube manufacturers.
March 2023
Boosted Chinese exports to the US market by approximately 8% in mid-2023.
Introduction of tech-integrated cubes (e.g., app-connected puzzle cubes) by major brands, driving innovation in the category.
January 2023
Increased market share for high-tech toy exporters like Japan and the US, shifting demand away from traditional products.