HS Code:
Organic surface-active agents (other than soap), surface-active preparations, washing preparations (including auxiliary washing preparations), and cleaning preparations, whether or not containing soap, fall under HS Code 3402. This category excludes products of heading 3401 (soaps). It includes a wide range of products such as detergents, surfactants, emulsifiers, and cleaning agents used in household, industrial, and institutional applications. These products are essential in various industries, including personal care, textiles, agriculture, and manufacturing, due to their ability to reduce surface tension and facilitate cleaning or emulsification processes.
Total Trade Volume
USD 40.5 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 6.2 billion
15.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 5.8 billion
14.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 4.9 billion
12.1% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 3.1 billion
7.7% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 2.8 billion
6.9% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
15% (applied by certain developing countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-USMCA)
Shift towards eco-friendly and biodegradable surfactants
Increased demand for green cleaning products drives innovation and market growth, especially in developed regions like Europe and North America.
2021-2023
Rising industrial applications in developing economies
Growing manufacturing and textile industries in Asia-Pacific, particularly in China and India, boost demand for industrial cleaning agents and emulsifiers.
2020-2022
Impact of raw material price volatility
Fluctuations in petrochemical prices affect production costs, leading to price instability in the global market for synthetic surfactants.
2022
The European Union introduced stricter guidelines under the REACH framework, mandating higher biodegradability standards for surfactants to reduce environmental impact.
January 2023
Manufacturers face higher compliance costs, but it encourages innovation in sustainable product formulations.
A new bilateral agreement reduced tariffs on chemical products, including surface-active agents, between the US and China to promote trade.
March 2022
Increased export opportunities for US manufacturers and lower costs for Chinese importers, potentially boosting trade volumes.
Post-pandemic awareness of hygiene has sustained high demand for household and industrial cleaning preparations globally.
Late 2021 - 2022
Significant growth in trade volume, with key exporters like Germany and the US benefiting from increased orders.