HS Code:
The Inedible category under the Harmonized System (HS) Code generally refers to products that are not intended for human consumption. This category can encompass a wide range of goods such as industrial raw materials, inedible animal by-products, certain chemicals, and other non-food items. These products are critical in various industries including manufacturing, construction, and energy. Due to the broad nature of this category, it often intersects with environmental regulations and sustainability concerns globally.
Total Trade Volume
USD 1.2 trillion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 300 billion
25% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 200 billion
16.7% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 150 billion
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 100 billion
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 80 billion
6.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
5.2%
Highest Rate
15% (applied by certain developing countries on specific industrial by-products)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU Single Market or USMCA)
Rising demand for sustainable industrial materials
Increased trade in recycled and eco-friendly inedible products, pushing innovation in green technologies
2021-2022
Shift towards localized supply chains
Reduced dependency on long-distance imports due to geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions
2020-2022
Technological advancements in material processing
Enhanced efficiency in the production of inedible goods, leading to cost reductions and higher trade volumes
2019-2022
The European Union introduced stricter regulations on the import of inedible industrial waste to promote circular economy practices.
June 2023
Expected to reduce imports of non-compliant materials while boosting intra-EU recycling industries.
A bilateral agreement reduced tariffs on certain inedible industrial products to ease tensions and promote mutual trade benefits.
March 2023
Likely to increase trade volume between the two largest players in this category.
A UN-backed summit focused on sustainable sourcing of inedible raw materials, with commitments from major economies to reduce environmental impact.
September 2022
Encourages adoption of greener practices, potentially affecting trade policies and tariffs in the near future.