HS Code:
The category 'Cubes and the like, whether or not rectangular, the largest surface area of which is capable of being enclosed in a square the side of which is less than 7 cm' typically falls under HS Code 9503.00 (Toys, games, and sports requisites; parts and accessories thereof). This category includes small cubic or similarly shaped toys or components, often used in puzzles, building sets, or educational tools for children. These products are generally lightweight, made of plastic, wood, or metal, and are designed for recreational or developmental purposes. They are traded globally due to their popularity in children's toys and educational markets.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $1.2 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and World Trade Organization (WTO) statistics
$650 million USD
54.2% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$150 million USD
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$100 million USD
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$80 million USD
6.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$60 million USD
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 the EU Single Market or USMCA)
Rising demand for educational toys
Increased trade volume as parents and schools prioritize STEM-based learning tools involving small cubes and building sets
2021-2022
Shift to sustainable materials
Growing preference for eco-friendly wooden or biodegradable plastic cubes, influencing production and trade patterns
2020-2022
E-commerce boom
Direct-to-consumer sales of small toy sets have surged, boosting cross-border trade through online platforms
2019-2022
The European Union updated its Toy Safety Directive, imposing stricter chemical safety requirements for toys, including small cubes and components.
July 2023
Exporters to the EU must adapt to new compliance costs, potentially affecting trade volumes from non-compliant countries.
A partial reduction in tariffs on toys under the Phase One trade agreement between the US and China has facilitated increased imports of small toy components.
January 2023
Boosted trade volume from China to the US, maintaining China's dominance in this category.
Vietnam has emerged as a key manufacturing hub for toys, including small cubes, due to lower labor costs and trade agreements like the CPTPP.
March 2023
Diversification of supply chains away from China, with Vietnam gaining market share.