HS Code:
The Electrodes category, primarily classified under HS Code 8311 (Wire, rods, tubes, plates, electrodes and similar products, of base metal or of metal carbides, coated or cored with flux material, of a kind used for soldering, brazing, welding or deposition of metal), includes products used in various industrial applications such as welding and electrical conductivity. Electrodes are critical components in industries like manufacturing, construction, automotive, and energy, where they are used for arc welding, battery production, and other electrical applications. This category encompasses carbon electrodes, graphite electrodes, and other specialized electrodes for industrial and medical uses.
Total Trade Volume
USD 10.5 billion
Data from 2022
Source
UN Comtrade Database
Average Rate
5.2%
Highest Rate
15% (applied by certain developing countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-Japan EPA)
Rising demand for graphite electrodes in electric arc furnaces
Increased production for steel manufacturing, especially in Asia-Pacific, driving trade volumes up by 8% annually
2021-2022
Shift towards sustainable and energy-efficient electrode materials
Growing adoption of eco-friendly production methods, influencing trade patterns towards countries with green certifications
2022
Technological advancements in battery electrodes
Surge in demand for lithium-ion battery electrodes due to electric vehicle (EV) market growth, boosting trade in specialized materials
2020-2022
The European Union imposed provisional anti-dumping duties ranging from 17.7% to 74.9% on graphite electrode imports from China to protect domestic producers.
February 2023
Likely to shift trade flows towards other suppliers like India and Japan, increasing costs for EU steel manufacturers in the short term.
The US government announced subsidies for domestic graphite electrode production under the Inflation Reduction Act to reduce reliance on imports.
August 2022
Expected to decrease import volumes from China and bolster local manufacturing, impacting global trade dynamics.
A South Korean company developed a new silicon-based electrode for EV batteries, promising higher efficiency and longer lifespan.
June 2023
Anticipated to increase South Korea's export share in the electrode market, particularly for EV applications.