HS Code:
The 'Bagpipes' category, classified under HS Code 9205.90, encompasses traditional wind instruments primarily associated with Scottish and Irish culture, though variations exist in other regions such as Eastern Europe and the Middle East. This category includes complete bagpipe sets, as well as components like chanters, drones, and bags. Bagpipes are niche musical instruments with a specialized market, often tied to cultural heritage, ceremonial use, and folk music. Global trade in this category is relatively small compared to other musical instruments but holds significant cultural value.
Total Trade Volume
USD 5.2 million
Data from 2022
Source
UN Comtrade Database
Average Rate
5.5%
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-UK or NAFTA successor USMCA)
Rising demand for traditional instruments in cultural festivals
Increased exports from the UK and Pakistan to North America and Europe due to growing interest in Celtic music and heritage events.
2021-2022
Shift towards synthetic materials
Manufacturers are adopting synthetic bags and reeds over traditional leather and cane to reduce costs and comply with environmental regulations, affecting trade patterns.
2020-2022
Growth in online sales platforms
Direct-to-consumer sales via e-commerce have boosted trade volumes, especially for small-scale producers in Pakistan and the UK.
2019-2022
A new trade agreement between the UK and Pakistan has reduced tariffs on musical instruments, including bagpipes, boosting exports of affordable bagpipes from Pakistan to the UK market.
March 2023
Expected to increase Pakistan's market share by 5-7% over the next two years.
The European Union introduced stricter regulations on the use of tropical hardwoods and animal leather in musical instruments, affecting bagpipe manufacturers using traditional materials.
January 2023
Potential cost increases for European producers and a shift to synthetic alternatives.
The resumption of international bagpipe competitions and cultural festivals, such as the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, has spurred demand for high-quality instruments.
August 2022
Increased trade volume by approximately 10% for premium bagpipe manufacturers in the UK.