HS Code:
This product category, classified under HS Code subheadings 8471.49.10 or 8471.50, includes automatic data processing machines and units thereof with a microprocessor-based calculating mechanism capable of directly handling memory of over 8 megabits. These are typically high-performance computing devices, such as servers, workstations, and other specialized computing equipment used in data centers, enterprises, and industrial applications. This category is critical to the global IT infrastructure, supporting cloud computing, big data analytics, and advanced computing needs.
Total Trade Volume
USD 45.6 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
Average Rate
2.5%
Highest Rate
8.0% (applied by certain developing countries)
Lowest Rate
0.0% (under free trade agreements like USMCA and EU-Japan EPA)
Rising demand for cloud computing infrastructure
Increased imports of high-memory servers and data processing units in regions with growing data center investments, such as Southeast Asia and Europe.
2021-2023
Shift toward edge computing
Growing trade in specialized computing units designed for low-latency applications, driving demand in markets like the United States and Japan.
2022-2023
Supply chain diversification
Manufacturers are relocating production from China to countries like Vietnam and Mexico to mitigate risks from geopolitical tensions and tariffs.
2020-2023
The United States imposed additional export controls on advanced computing equipment to China, citing national security concerns. This has led to a redirection of trade flows to other Asian markets.
October 2022
Reduced exports to China by approximately 15%, with increased shipments to Taiwan and Singapore.
The European Union introduced new energy efficiency standards for data processing equipment as part of its Green Deal initiative, affecting imports of non-compliant devices.
March 2023
Manufacturers are adapting products to meet stricter environmental standards, potentially increasing production costs by 5-10%.
The recovery from the global semiconductor shortage has boosted production of high-memory computing devices, stabilizing supply chains for this category.
Mid-2023
Trade volumes are expected to grow by 8-10% in 2024 as supply constraints ease.