HS Code:
The 'Not annealed or not pickled' category under the Harmonized System (HS) Code typically refers to certain metal products, such as stainless steel or other alloys, that have not undergone the annealing (heat treatment to reduce hardness) or pickling (chemical treatment to remove impurities) processes. These products are often in a raw or semi-finished state and are used in various industrial applications, including manufacturing, construction, and automotive sectors. This category is critical in global trade due to its role as an intermediate product in the supply chain for finished goods.
Total Trade Volume
USD 12.5 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 3.8 billion
30.4% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 2.1 billion
16.8% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 1.9 billion
15.2% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 1.5 billion
12.0% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
USD 1.2 billion
9.6% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
6.5%
Highest Rate
15% (imposed by certain developing countries to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-Japan EPA)
Rising demand in renewable energy sector
Increased use of not annealed or not pickled metals in wind turbine and solar panel manufacturing has boosted trade volumes, particularly in Asia and Europe.
2021-2022
Shift towards sustainable production
Growing emphasis on reducing carbon footprint in metal production is influencing trade patterns, with countries adopting stricter environmental regulations gaining a competitive edge.
2020-2022
Supply chain disruptions
Global supply chain challenges, including raw material shortages and shipping delays, have led to price volatility and affected trade flows.
2021-2022
The European Union introduced new tariff rate quotas on imports of not annealed or not pickled metal products to protect domestic producers from oversupply.
March 2023
This is expected to reduce import volumes from non-EU countries, potentially benefiting local manufacturers but increasing costs for downstream industries.
China reduced export tax rebates for certain metal products, including those in the not annealed or not pickled category, to encourage domestic consumption and reduce carbon emissions.
July 2022
This policy has led to a slight decline in Chinese exports, creating opportunities for other exporters like South Korea and Japan.
The US Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has increased demand for raw and semi-finished metal products, driving imports in this category.
November 2021
This has led to a surge in trade volumes to the US, with suppliers from Canada and Mexico benefiting under USMCA trade agreements.