HS Code:
The Helicopters category, classified under HS Code 8802.11 and 8802.12, includes aircraft designed for vertical take-off and landing, used for both civilian and military purposes. This category encompasses various types of helicopters, including those for transport, emergency services, and defense operations. The global trade of helicopters is driven by demand for advanced technology, military upgrades, and civilian applications such as medical evacuation and tourism. Trade in this category is influenced by geopolitical factors, defense budgets, and technological innovation in aerospace engineering.
Total Trade Volume
USD 12.5 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database & International Trade Centre (ITC)
USD 4.8 billion
38.4% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 2.3 billion
18.4% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 1.5 billion
12.0% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 1.2 billion
9.6% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 0.9 billion
7.2% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5.2%
Highest Rate
15% (imposed by certain developing countries on luxury or non-essential imports)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-US agreements or within ASEAN)
Rising demand for urban air mobility solutions
Increased production of light and electric helicopters for short-range urban transport, boosting trade in smaller civilian models.
2021-2023
Growing military modernization programs
Higher exports of advanced military helicopters to countries upgrading their defense capabilities, especially in Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions.
2020-2022
Shift towards sustainable aviation
Emerging trade in hybrid and electric helicopter prototypes as manufacturers invest in eco-friendly technologies.
2022-2023
A new agreement reducing tariffs on aerospace products, including helicopters, between the US and EU to strengthen transatlantic defense cooperation.
June 2023
Expected to increase trade volume by 10-15% between the regions over the next five years.
Western countries imposed stricter sanctions on Russian helicopter manufacturers due to geopolitical tensions, limiting their access to global markets.
March 2022
Significant decline in Russian helicopter exports, with market share redistributed to Western manufacturers.
Major manufacturers like Airbus and Sikorsky unveiled electric helicopter models aimed at urban mobility and short-range transport.
September 2023
Potential shift in trade patterns as demand for sustainable aviation solutions grows in urban centers.