HS Code:
The 'Forks' category, primarily classified under HS Code 8215.99 (which includes forks as part of tableware, kitchen, or other household articles of base metal), encompasses a variety of utensils used for dining and food preparation. This category includes table forks, serving forks, and other specialized forks made from materials like stainless steel, silver, or plastic. Forks are essential household and commercial items, with trade influenced by factors such as material quality, design trends, and manufacturing costs. Global trade in this category is driven by demand in hospitality, household use, and disposable cutlery markets.
Total Trade Volume
USD 1.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
UN Comtrade Database, International Trade Centre (ITC)
USD 450 million
37.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 180 million
15.0% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 150 million
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 100 million
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 80 million
6.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
6.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing countries to protect local industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU Single Market or USMCA)
Shift towards sustainable materials
Increased demand for biodegradable and wooden forks due to environmental concerns over plastic cutlery, influencing trade patterns towards eco-friendly exporters.
2021-2023
Growth in disposable cutlery demand
Rising demand from the food delivery and fast-food sectors has boosted trade volumes, particularly for low-cost plastic and compostable forks.
2020-2022
Premiumization of tableware
Growing consumer preference for high-quality, designer forks in developed markets has increased exports from countries like Germany and Italy.
2019-2023
The European Union implemented a ban on single-use plastic cutlery, including forks, as part of its Circular Economy Action Plan, pushing demand towards sustainable alternatives.
July 2021
Significant decline in plastic fork imports to the EU, with a rise in biodegradable and wooden fork trade from countries like India and China.
The United States imposed additional tariffs on Chinese tableware, including forks, under Section 301 to address trade imbalances and alleged unfair practices.
September 2019 (updated 2022)
Increased costs for US importers, leading to a slight shift in sourcing to other countries like Vietnam and India.
Several Asian countries, notably India and Thailand, have ramped up production of bamboo and other eco-friendly forks to meet global demand for sustainable products.
Mid-2022
Strengthened market position of these countries in the global forks trade, especially in markets with strict environmental regulations.