HS Code:
Lugnuts, classified under HS Code 7318.16, are essential automotive components used to secure wheels to vehicles. Typically made of steel or alloy, lugnuts ensure the safety and stability of wheel assemblies. They are widely used in the automotive industry for both passenger and commercial vehicles. Global trade in lugnuts is influenced by automotive production levels, regional manufacturing hubs, and trade policies affecting steel and automotive parts.
Total Trade Volume
USD 1.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
Average Rate
5.2%
Highest Rate
12% (imposed by certain developing countries to protect local industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as USMCA and EU-Japan EPA)
Shift towards lightweight materials
Increasing demand for aluminum and titanium lugnuts to improve fuel efficiency in vehicles, driving innovation in manufacturing.
2021-2022
Growth in electric vehicle production
Rising EV production is boosting lugnut demand, as manufacturers adapt designs for specialized wheel assemblies.
2022
Regionalization of supply chains
Automotive manufacturers are sourcing lugnuts closer to production hubs to reduce costs and mitigate supply chain disruptions.
2020-2022
The US Department of Commerce imposed anti-dumping duties of up to 8% on Chinese lugnut imports following complaints from domestic manufacturers about unfair pricing practices.
March 2023
This is likely to increase costs for US importers and may shift sourcing to other countries like South Korea or Taiwan.
The European Union updated its automotive parts regulations, requiring lugnuts to meet enhanced safety and durability standards under the EU Motor Vehicle Regulation.
January 2023
Manufacturers may face higher compliance costs, potentially affecting smaller exporters to the EU market.
Japan signed a new trade agreement with several ASEAN countries, reducing tariffs on automotive components including lugnuts to 0%.
September 2022
This development is expected to boost exports of Japanese lugnuts to Southeast Asian markets, strengthening regional trade ties.