HS Code:
The 'Other seats, with metal frames' category (HS Code: 9401.79) includes seating furniture with metal frames that do not fall under specific categories like office chairs or upholstered seats. This category encompasses a wide range of products such as outdoor metal chairs, stackable seating, and industrial-style furniture. These products are widely used in commercial, public, and residential settings due to their durability and versatility. The global trade of this category reflects demand in hospitality, event management, and urban infrastructure development.
Total Trade Volume
USD 2.5 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 1.2 billion
48% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 350 million
14% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 200 million
8% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 150 million
6% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
USD 100 million
4% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5.2%
Highest Rate
12% (imposed by certain developing countries to protect local industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU Single Market or USMCA)
Shift towards sustainable materials
Increased demand for seats made with recycled metals and eco-friendly coatings, driven by consumer and regulatory pressures in Europe and North America.
2021-2022
Growth in outdoor furniture demand
Rising urbanization and hospitality sector recovery post-COVID-19 have boosted demand for durable metal-framed seating for outdoor cafes, parks, and public spaces.
2022
Rising production costs
Fluctuations in raw material prices, particularly steel and aluminum, have led to higher production costs, impacting profit margins for exporters.
2022-2023
The European Union introduced anti-dumping duties ranging from 8-10% on metal-framed seats from China to protect domestic manufacturers from unfairly priced imports.
March 2023
This is expected to reduce Chinese exports to the EU while potentially increasing market share for Vietnamese and Turkish manufacturers.
Under the USMCA agreement, tariffs on metal-framed seats between the US, Canada, and Mexico were reduced to 0%, facilitating smoother trade flows in North America.
January 2023
This has boosted exports from Mexico to the US, with a projected 5% increase in trade volume for 2023.
Vietnam has emerged as a key manufacturing hub for metal-framed seats, benefiting from trade diversification away from China amid US-China trade tensions.
October 2022
Vietnam's export volume grew by 20% in 2022, positioning it as the second-largest exporter globally in this category.