HS Code:
The 'In crates or other packages' category typically falls under various HS Codes depending on the specific product being packaged (e.g., fruits, vegetables, or manufactured goods). This category generally includes goods packed in crates, boxes, or similar containers for transport and storage, facilitating bulk handling and protection during shipping. It spans agricultural products like citrus fruits (HS 0805) or apples (HS 0808) to industrial items. This category is critical in global trade due to its role in ensuring the safe and efficient movement of perishable and non-perishable goods across borders.
Total Trade Volume
Estimated at $50 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
UN Comtrade Database and WTO Statistics
$8.5 billion USD
17% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$6.2 billion USD
12.4% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$5.8 billion USD
11.6% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$4.9 billion USD
9.8% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$3.7 billion USD
7.4% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
35% (applied by certain developing countries on specific agricultural goods)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU Single Market or USMCA)
Increased demand for sustainable packaging
Shift towards biodegradable and reusable crates, influencing production costs and trade compliance
2021-2023
Growth in e-commerce logistics
Higher demand for standardized packaging solutions for direct-to-consumer shipping
2020-2022
Supply chain disruptions due to geopolitical tensions
Delays and increased costs for packaged goods, particularly in Europe and Asia
2022
The European Union introduced stricter regulations on single-use packaging materials, mandating recyclable options for crates by 2025.
March 2023
Increased compliance costs for exporters to the EU, but potential long-term benefits for sustainable trade
Phase One trade deal reduced tariffs on certain packaged agricultural products, boosting trade volumes.
January 2020 (ongoing impact in 2022)
Positive for US exporters of packaged fruits and vegetables to China
Post-COVID supply chain issues led to a shortage of shipping containers, affecting the trade of goods in crates.
Mid-2021 to Early 2022
Increased shipping costs and delays for packaged goods globally