HS Code:
The category 'Other organic surface-active agents, whether or not put up for retail sale' (HS Code: 3402.19) includes a variety of organic compounds that lower the surface tension between two liquids or between a liquid and a solid. These agents are widely used in detergents, emulsifiers, wetting agents, and foaming agents across industries such as household cleaning, personal care, industrial processes, and agriculture. This category excludes soap and encompasses both anionic, cationic, and non-ionic surfactants not classified elsewhere. Global trade in this category is driven by demand for eco-friendly and biodegradable surfactants due to increasing environmental regulations and consumer awareness.
Total Trade Volume
USD 5.8 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
Average Rate
5.2%
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-USMCA)
Shift towards bio-based surfactants
Increased demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products is driving innovation and market growth, especially in Europe and North America.
2021-2023
Rising demand in personal care products
Growth in cosmetics and personal care industries in Asia-Pacific, particularly in China and India, is boosting trade volumes.
2020-2022
Stringent environmental regulations
Regulations in the EU and North America are pushing manufacturers to reformulate products, impacting production costs and trade patterns.
2019-2023
The European Union introduced stricter regulations under the Green Deal, mandating higher biodegradability standards for surfactants, affecting imports and production.
January 2023
Increased compliance costs for exporters to the EU, potentially reducing trade volumes from non-compliant regions while boosting demand for green alternatives.
A new phase of the US-China trade agreement reduced tariffs on certain chemical categories, including organic surface-active agents, to promote bilateral trade.
March 2022
Boosted exports from China to the US, with a reported 15% increase in trade volume for this category in 2022.
Major chemical companies in Germany and the Netherlands launched new lines of bio-based surfactants, capturing a larger market share in eco-conscious regions.
September 2022
Strengthened the position of European exporters in the global market, potentially shifting trade flows towards sustainable products.