HS Code:
The category of machines for cleaning, sorting, or grading fruit or other agricultural produce (HS Code: 8433.60) includes specialized equipment designed to enhance the efficiency of agricultural processing. These machines are critical in the post-harvest stage, ensuring that fruits, vegetables, and other produce are cleaned, sorted by size or quality, and graded for market readiness. They play a vital role in reducing manual labor, improving product consistency, and meeting stringent quality standards for both domestic and international markets. This category covers a range of machinery, from small-scale units for local farms to advanced, automated systems used by large agribusinesses.
Total Trade Volume
USD 1.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
Average Rate
5.2%
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing countries to protect local manufacturing)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU internal trade or USMCA)
Rising demand for automation in agriculture
Increased adoption of advanced sorting and grading machines to improve efficiency and reduce labor costs, especially in developed markets
2021-2023
Growth in organic and specialty produce markets
Higher need for precise grading equipment to meet specific quality standards for niche markets
2020-2022
Technological advancements in machine vision and AI
Integration of smart technologies in machinery for better accuracy in sorting and grading, driving market growth
2019-2023
The European Union's Green Deal has introduced stricter sustainability standards for agricultural machinery, pushing manufacturers to develop energy-efficient and eco-friendly cleaning and sorting equipment.
March 2023
Increased production costs but also opened new markets for sustainable machinery in Europe.
A new phase of the US-China trade agreement has reduced tariffs on agricultural machinery, including cleaning and sorting equipment, fostering greater market access for Chinese manufacturers in the US.
January 2023
Boosted trade volume for Chinese exporters, potentially increasing competition in the US market.
A leading Dutch manufacturer unveiled a new AI-powered sorting machine capable of detecting micro-defects in fruits, significantly improving quality control.
September 2022
Set a new industry standard, encouraging competitors to invest in similar technologies.