HS Code:
Original sculptures and statuary, in any material, fall under HS Code 9703. This category includes unique, handcrafted artworks made from materials such as stone, wood, metal, clay, or other substances, created by artists as one-of-a-kind pieces or in limited editions. These items are distinct from mass-produced decorative objects and are often traded as cultural or luxury goods. The global trade of original sculptures and statuary is influenced by factors such as cultural heritage, art market demand, and international regulations on cultural property.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $1.2 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and World Trade Organization (WTO) Statistics
$320 million USD
26.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$250 million USD
20.8% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$180 million USD
15.0% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$120 million USD
10.0% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$90 million USD
7.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
4.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing countries to protect local art markets)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements or cultural exemptions in the EU and US)
Growing demand for contemporary sculptures
Increased trade volume in modern art markets, especially in the US and Europe, driven by private collectors and auction houses
2021-2022
Rise of digital art influencing physical sculpture trade
Mixed impact with some collectors shifting to NFTs, while others seek tangible sculptures as investment pieces
2022
Sustainability concerns affecting material use
Shift towards eco-friendly materials and restrictions on trade of sculptures made from endangered species materials
2020-2022
The European Union introduced stricter import regulations under Regulation (EU) 2019/880 to combat illicit trade in cultural goods, requiring detailed provenance documentation for sculptures and statuary.
June 2021
Increased compliance costs for exporters to the EU but enhanced protection of cultural heritage
As part of the Phase One Trade Agreement, the US imposed additional scrutiny on Chinese sculptures to prevent smuggling of cultural artifacts, while China agreed to facilitate legal trade.
January 2020
Temporary slowdown in trade volume from China to the US, with long-term potential for clearer trade channels
Major auction houses and online platforms like Sothebyโs and Artsy reported a 30% increase in online sales of sculptures due to pandemic-driven digitalization of the art market.
March 2021
Expanded global access to sculptures, benefiting smaller exporters and artists from emerging markets