HS Code:
The 'Seal' category, often classified under various HS Codes depending on the specific type (e.g., mechanical seals under HS Code 8484 or seal products under other relevant codes), encompasses products such as mechanical seals, gaskets, and other sealing solutions used in industrial machinery, automotive applications, and consumer goods. This category also includes natural seal products like seal fur or oil, though trade in such items is heavily regulated due to conservation concerns. The global trade of seals and related products is driven by industrial demand, environmental regulations, and technological advancements in sealing solutions.
Total Trade Volume
USD 15.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database, International Trade Centre (ITC)
USD 3.1 billion
20.4% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 2.8 billion
18.4% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 2.5 billion
16.4% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 1.9 billion
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 1.2 billion
7.9% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (imposed by certain developing countries on industrial seals)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-USMCA for mechanical seals)
Rising demand for high-performance seals in renewable energy equipment
Increased trade volume in seals for wind turbines and solar panel manufacturing, boosting exports from technologically advanced countries like Germany and Japan
2021-2022
Shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly sealing materials
Growing market for bio-based and recyclable seals, impacting traditional manufacturers and benefiting innovators in green technology
2020-2022
Automation and Industry 4.0 integration
Higher demand for precision-engineered seals in automated machinery, driving trade in high-value products
2019-2022
The European Union reinforced its ban on the import of seal fur and other natural seal products under Regulation (EC) No 1007/2009, with stricter enforcement mechanisms introduced.
January 2023
Significant reduction in trade of natural seal products to the EU, pushing exporters to focus on alternative markets or synthetic substitutes.
A new bilateral agreement reduced tariffs on industrial components, including mechanical seals, between the US and China as part of Phase One trade deal implementations.
March 2022
Boosted export potential for Chinese manufacturers to the US market, increasing competition with domestic US producers.
Major manufacturers in Germany and Japan unveiled new lines of high-durability, low-friction seals designed for electric vehicle batteries and hydrogen fuel cells.
September 2022
Expected to drive trade growth in the automotive and energy sectors, with a projected 10% increase in demand over the next 5 years.