HS Code:
The Hand-held category, often associated with tools, devices, or equipment under various HS Codes (commonly under chapters like 82 for hand tools or 85 for electrical hand-held devices), includes portable products designed for manual use. This category encompasses a wide range of items such as hand-held power tools, mobile devices, and other manually operated equipment. These products are integral to industries like construction, manufacturing, and consumer electronics, with significant global demand driven by urbanization, industrial growth, and technological advancements.
Total Trade Volume
USD 120 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database, World Trade Organization (WTO) Reports
Average Rate
5.2%
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing countries to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU Single Market or USMCA)
Rising demand for cordless power tools
Increased trade in battery-operated hand-held devices due to consumer preference for portability and convenience, boosting exports from tech-focused countries like Japan and South Korea.
2021-2022
Shift towards sustainable materials
Manufacturers are adopting eco-friendly materials in hand-held devices, influencing supply chains and increasing costs but appealing to environmentally conscious markets in Europe and North America.
2022
Growth in smart hand-held devices
Integration of IoT and smart technology in hand-held tools and gadgets has spurred innovation, with significant growth in trade volumes for connected devices, particularly from China and the US.
2020-2022
The United States revised tariffs on certain hand-held electronic devices from China as part of ongoing trade negotiations, reducing rates on specific categories to ease supply chain pressures.
March 2023
Expected to increase imports of Chinese hand-held devices into the US, potentially lowering costs for consumers but impacting domestic manufacturers.
The European Union introduced stricter regulations under the Green Deal, mandating higher energy efficiency and recyclability standards for hand-held battery-powered tools.
July 2023
Manufacturers worldwide must adapt to comply with EU standards, potentially increasing production costs but opening opportunities in the sustainable product market.
Ongoing supply chain bottlenecks in Asia, particularly in China and Vietnam, have delayed the export of hand-held tools and devices due to raw material shortages and port congestion.
October 2022
Short-term price increases and delivery delays for hand-held products globally, with a push towards diversifying supply chains to other regions like India and Mexico.