HS Code:
The 'For human use' category, often associated with pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and personal care products under various HS Codes (e.g., Chapter 30 for pharmaceuticals), encompasses goods specifically intended for human consumption or application. This includes medicines, vaccines, medical devices, and hygiene products. It is a critical category in global trade due to its direct impact on public health and well-being. Trade in this category is influenced by regulatory frameworks, intellectual property rights, and public health policies across nations.
Total Trade Volume
USD 1.2 trillion
Data from 2022
Source
World Trade Organization (WTO) and UN Comtrade Database
USD 250 billion
20.8% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 180 billion
15.0% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 120 billion
10.0% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 100 billion
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 80 billion
6.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
4.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
15% (applied by certain developing countries to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements or for essential medicines in many countries)
Increased demand for generic medicines
Drives down costs and improves access in developing markets, while challenging innovator companies
2021-2022
Rise in vaccine production and distribution
Boosted trade volumes significantly due to global health crises like COVID-19, with a focus on equitable distribution
2020-2022
Growth in telemedicine and digital health products
Increased trade in related medical devices and software, creating new sub-categories within 'For human use'
2022
Several countries agreed to temporarily waive certain tariffs and restrictions on vaccine-related products to facilitate global access.
June 2022
Reduced trade costs and expedited vaccine distribution, particularly to low-income countries.
A bilateral agreement was signed to reduce tariffs on essential medical supplies and harmonize regulatory standards.
March 2023
Enhanced trade efficiency and lowered costs for medical products between the two regions.
India imposed temporary export curbs on specific active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) to ensure domestic supply.
April 2023
Caused short-term supply chain disruptions in dependent markets, prompting diversification efforts.