HS Code:
The 'Of noncellular rubber' category, classified under HS Code 4008, includes products such as sheets, strips, rods, and profiles made of noncellular (solid) rubber, whether or not vulcanized. These products are widely used in industries like automotive, construction, and manufacturing for sealing, insulation, and vibration dampening purposes. This category excludes cellular rubber products and focuses on solid rubber forms that are critical for durable and heavy-duty applications.
Total Trade Volume
USD 5.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
Average Rate
5.5%
Highest Rate
12% (imposed by certain developing countries to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-Japan EPA or USMCA)
Rising demand in automotive sector
Increased use of noncellular rubber in gaskets, seals, and hoses due to growth in electric vehicle production, driving trade volume up by 8% annually.
2021-2022
Shift towards sustainable materials
Growing preference for recycled or bio-based rubber products, prompting exporters to adapt to green regulations, especially in the EU market.
2022
Supply chain disruptions
Global shipping delays and raw material shortages (natural rubber) have led to price volatility, affecting trade flows by 5-7% in key markets.
2021-2022
The European Union introduced stricter regulations on rubber imports, mandating traceability and lower carbon footprints for noncellular rubber products.
June 2023
Exporters from developing countries may face higher compliance costs, potentially reducing their market share by 3-5% in the short term.
A revised trade agreement reduced tariffs on noncellular rubber products from China to the US, boosting bilateral trade in this category.
March 2023
Chinese exports to the US increased by 10% in Q2 2023, reshaping competitive dynamics in the North American market.
Thailand, a major rubber producer, invested in new processing facilities to increase output of noncellular rubber products for export.
September 2022
Thailand’s trade volume grew by 12%, strengthening its position as a key supplier in Asia-Pacific markets.