HS Code:
The 'Obtained from flat-rolled products' category generally refers to products derived from flat-rolled steel or other metals, which are processed into specific shapes or forms for various industrial applications. This category falls under the Harmonized System (HS) Code structure, often within Chapter 72 or 73, depending on the material and processing (e.g., HS 7210 - Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel). These products are critical in industries such as automotive, construction, and manufacturing due to their versatility and strength. They include coated, clad, or plated sheets, as well as other processed forms used in infrastructure and machinery.
Total Trade Volume
USD 120 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database & World Trade Organization (WTO) Statistics
USD 35 billion
29.2% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 15 billion
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 12 billion
10.0% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 10 billion
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 8 billion
6.7% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
25% (imposed by certain countries under anti-dumping measures)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-Japan EPA)
Rising demand for high-strength steel in automotive sector
Increased trade volume for specialized flat-rolled products used in lightweight vehicle manufacturing, driven by fuel efficiency standards.
2021-2023
Shift towards sustainable production methods
Growing preference for low-carbon steel production has led to higher costs but also opened markets for eco-friendly certified products.
2022-2023
Regionalization of supply chains
Post-COVID supply chain disruptions have encouraged countries to source flat-rolled products from regional partners, reducing dependency on distant exporters like China.
2020-2022
The United States adjusted its Section 232 tariffs on steel imports, replacing some tariffs with tariff-rate quotas for EU countries, affecting flat-rolled product imports.
January 2022
Improved market access for EU exporters, potentially increasing trade volume by 10-15% from the region.
China reduced export tax rebates on certain steel products, including flat-rolled categories, to focus on domestic supply and environmental goals.
May 2021
Reduced export competitiveness of Chinese products, creating opportunities for competitors like South Korea and Japan.
The EU introduced CBAM, which imposes a carbon tax on imports of carbon-intensive goods like flat-rolled steel, to level the playing field for green production.
October 2023 (phased implementation)
Likely to increase costs for non-EU exporters without green certifications, reshaping trade flows towards compliant producers.