HS Code:
Mica waste, classified under HS Code 252530, refers to the residues and by-products generated during the mining and processing of mica, a group of silicate minerals known for their excellent thermal and electrical insulation properties. Mica waste includes scraps, flakes, and powder that are not suitable for primary use but can be repurposed in industries such as construction, cosmetics, and manufacturing of low-cost insulation materials. This category is a niche but significant part of the global mineral trade, often tied to environmental and sustainability concerns due to waste management challenges.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $15 million USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and International Trade Centre (ITC)
$6.5 million USD
43.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$3.2 million USD
21.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$1.8 million USD
12.0% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
$1.5 million USD
10.0% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$0.9 million USD
6.0% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (imposed by certain developing countries to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-India FTA for specific partners)
Rising demand for sustainable materials
Increased interest in recycling mica waste for use in eco-friendly construction materials and industrial fillers, driving up trade volumes by 8% annually.
2021-2022
Stricter environmental regulations
Countries like the EU and US are imposing tighter controls on mica waste imports, leading to a 5% decline in trade to these regions due to compliance costs.
2020-2022
Shift to alternative materials
Growing use of synthetic mica and other substitutes in electronics and cosmetics is reducing demand for natural mica waste by 3% annually in high-tech industries.
2019-2022
India, the largest exporter of mica waste, introduced a policy to incentivize local processing of mica waste into value-added products, reducing raw waste exports.
March 2023
Expected to decrease raw mica waste exports by 10-15% over the next two years, while increasing domestic employment in processing industries.
The EU implemented stricter guidelines under its Circular Economy Action Plan, requiring detailed documentation for imported mica waste to ensure sustainable sourcing.
January 2023
Increased compliance costs for exporters to the EU, potentially reducing trade volume by 7% to this region in 2023-2024.
New technologies for recycling mica waste into high-quality industrial fillers were piloted in China, with potential for commercial rollout.
September 2022
Could boost China's domestic use of mica waste, reducing export availability but increasing global prices by 5-10% in the short term.