HS Code:
The category 'Other, of circular cross section, of stainless steel' (HS Code: 730640) refers to tubes, pipes, and hollow profiles made of stainless steel with a circular cross-section, not elsewhere specified or included under other HS codes. These products are widely used in industries such as construction, automotive, energy, and food processing due to their corrosion resistance, durability, and versatility. This category excludes products like seamless tubes or those specifically used for oil and gas pipelines, focusing instead on welded or other forms of stainless steel pipes and tubes for general and industrial applications.
Total Trade Volume
USD 3.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 1.1 billion
34.4% of total trade
Increasing
USD 450 million
14.1% of total trade
Stable
USD 380 million
11.9% of total trade
Increasing
USD 300 million
9.4% of total trade
Stable
USD 250 million
7.8% of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5.2%
Highest Rate
25% (applied by certain developing countries to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-Japan EPA or USMCA)
Rising demand in renewable energy sector
Increased use of stainless steel pipes in solar and wind energy infrastructure has boosted trade volumes, especially in Europe and Asia.
2021-2022
Shift towards sustainable production
Manufacturers are adopting greener production methods, influencing export competitiveness and compliance costs in major markets like the EU.
2020-2022
Supply chain disruptions due to geopolitical tensions
Trade flows have been affected by sanctions, raw material shortages, and rising shipping costs, particularly impacting exports from Asia.
2022
The European Union imposed anti-dumping duties ranging from 10% to 20% on imports of certain stainless steel tubes and pipes from China to protect domestic producers.
March 2023
This has led to a shift in market share towards European and South Korean suppliers in the EU market.
The US Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has increased demand for stainless steel products for water and energy projects, encouraging imports despite high tariffs.
November 2021
Imports from South Korea and Germany have surged to meet the growing demand.
China introduced export restrictions on certain steel raw materials, impacting the production and export of stainless steel pipes globally.
January 2023
This has caused price volatility and supply shortages in importing countries, prompting diversification of supply chains.