HS Code:
The category 'Of thickness not exceeding 0.25 mm' typically refers to thin metal sheets, foils, or strips, often used in industries such as electronics, packaging, automotive, and construction. This category falls under specific HS Codes related to base metals (e.g., aluminum, steel, or copper) with a thickness not exceeding 0.25 mm. Products in this category are critical for applications requiring lightweight, flexible, and corrosion-resistant materials, such as aluminum foil for food packaging or thin steel sheets for precision manufacturing.
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 1.9 billion
15.2% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 1.5 billion
12.0% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 1.2 billion
9.6% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 900 million
7.2% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (imposed by certain developing countries to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as EU-Japan EPA or USMCA)
Growing demand for lightweight materials in automotive and aerospace sectors
Increased export volumes for countries with advanced manufacturing capabilities like Germany and Japan
2021-2022
Shift toward sustainable packaging solutions
Rising demand for recyclable aluminum foils, boosting trade in eco-friendly product segments
2020-2022
Technological advancements in thin metal production
Reduced production costs, leading to competitive pricing and higher trade volumes from emerging markets
2019-2022
The United States introduced additional anti-dumping duties on Chinese aluminum foil of thickness not exceeding 0.25 mm, citing unfair trade practices.
March 2023
Potential shift in market share toward other suppliers like South Korea and Germany, with increased costs for US importers.
The European Union implemented stricter environmental standards for metal foil production under the Green Deal, affecting import compliance requirements.
January 2023
Higher compliance costs for exporters to the EU, potentially reducing trade volumes from non-compliant countries.
Japan signed new trade agreements with several ASEAN countries, reducing tariffs on thin metal products to 0% under specific conditions.
September 2022
Boosted exports of Japanese thin metal products to Southeast Asia, strengthening regional trade ties.