HS Code:
The Glues category, classified under HS Code 3506, encompasses prepared glues and other prepared adhesives, not elsewhere specified or included. This includes products like casein glues, dextrins, starch-based adhesives, and synthetic adhesives used across industries such as construction, packaging, automotive, and woodworking. These products are critical for bonding materials in manufacturing and consumer applications. The category also includes adhesive tapes and similar articles when classified under related subheadings.
Total Trade Volume
USD 20.5 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 3.2 billion
15.6% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 2.8 billion
13.7% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 2.5 billion
12.2% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 1.9 billion
9.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 1.3 billion
6.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-USMCA)
Rising demand for eco-friendly adhesives
Increased production of bio-based and water-based glues due to environmental regulations and consumer preference for sustainable products.
2021-2023
Growth in construction and automotive sectors
Higher consumption of industrial adhesives in emerging markets, especially in Asia-Pacific, driving export growth for major producers.
2020-2022
Technological advancements in adhesive formulations
Development of high-performance adhesives for specialized applications, boosting trade in niche markets like aerospace and electronics.
2019-2023
The European Union introduced stricter regulations under the Green Deal, mandating reduced VOC (volatile organic compound) content in adhesives, affecting exporters to the EU market.
January 2023
Manufacturers are reformulating products to comply, increasing production costs but opening opportunities for eco-friendly adhesive suppliers.
A new phase of the US-China trade agreement reduced tariffs on certain adhesive products, facilitating smoother trade flows between the two largest economies.
March 2022
Increased export volumes from China to the US, benefiting Chinese manufacturers and US consumers with lower prices.
Ongoing geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe have disrupted raw material supplies for adhesive production, particularly impacting European manufacturers.
Mid-2022
Price volatility and supply shortages have led to higher costs and delays in adhesive exports from the region.