HS Code:
The category 'If imported for use in the manufacture of sterile surgical sutures' falls under the Harmonized System (HS) Code related to medical products and materials, likely under Chapter 30 (Pharmaceutical Products) or Chapter 90 (Optical, Photographic, Medical or Surgical Instruments). This category specifically includes raw materials or components imported explicitly for the production of sterile surgical sutures, which are critical medical devices used in surgeries to close wounds. These materials must meet stringent regulatory standards for sterility and biocompatibility. Global trade in this category is driven by the demand for high-quality medical supplies, advancements in surgical techniques, and the increasing number of surgical procedures worldwide.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $1.2 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database & World Trade Organization (WTO) Statistics
$350 million USD
29.2% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$250 million USD
20.8% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$180 million USD
15.0% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$120 million USD
10.0% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$90 million USD
7.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
5.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing countries to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements or for Least Developed Countries under preferential schemes like GSP)
Rising demand for minimally invasive surgeries
Increased need for advanced suture materials, boosting imports of specialized raw materials for sterile sutures.
2021-2023
Growth in medical tourism in Asia-Pacific
Higher demand for surgical supplies in countries like India and Thailand, leading to increased imports for manufacturing.
2022
Shift towards bioabsorbable sutures
Growing imports of synthetic and natural polymers used in bioabsorbable suture production.
2020-2023
The European Union tightened regulations under the MDR framework, requiring stricter compliance for materials used in sterile surgical sutures.
May 2021
Increased costs for exporters to the EU due to additional certification and testing requirements, potentially shifting trade to less regulated markets.
Reduction in tariffs on certain medical raw materials, including those for sutures, as part of the Phase 1 trade deal between the US and China.
January 2020
Facilitated higher export volumes from China to the US, strengthening China's position in the market.
India launched the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to boost domestic manufacturing of medical devices, including surgical sutures.
March 2021
Encouraged local production but also increased imports of high-quality raw materials to meet production standards.