HS Code:
The 'Packaged for Retail Sale' category encompasses a wide range of products that are prepared, processed, and packaged specifically for direct sale to consumers in retail environments. This category often includes food items, beverages, personal care products, household goods, and other consumer goods under various HS Codes (e.g., 1602 for prepared or preserved meat, 1905 for bakery products, etc.). These products are typically ready for consumption or use with minimal additional preparation. The category is critical to global trade due to its direct link to consumer demand and its role in supply chains across food security, health, and lifestyle sectors.
Total Trade Volume
USD 1.2 trillion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database & World Trade Organization (WTO) Statistics
USD 250 billion
20.8% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 180 billion
15.0% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 150 billion
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 100 billion
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 90 billion
7.5% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
6.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
35% (applied by certain developing countries on luxury packaged goods)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU Single Market or USMCA)
Rising demand for sustainable packaging
Increased trade in eco-friendly packaged goods, pushing manufacturers to adopt biodegradable materials; higher costs but growing consumer preference in developed markets.
2021-2023
Growth in e-commerce retail
Significant boost in packaged goods trade due to online shopping; demand for smaller, single-use packaging formats and last-mile delivery optimization.
2020-2023
Health-conscious consumer behavior
Surge in trade of organic, low-calorie, and functional packaged foods; higher export potential for countries with strong health certification systems.
2019-2023
The European Union introduced stricter regulations on single-use plastics and packaging waste, mandating recyclability and reduced material use for retail-packaged products.
March 2023
Increased compliance costs for exporters to the EU; potential trade barriers for non-compliant suppliers but opportunities for sustainable packaging innovators.
Phase One trade deal saw reduced tariffs on certain packaged food products, boosting bilateral trade in retail-ready goods like processed snacks and beverages.
January 2022
Positive for exporters in both countries; increased market access and trade volume in packaged goods sector.
Ongoing disruptions due to geopolitical tensions and post-COVID recovery have led to delays and higher shipping costs for packaged retail goods.
Mid-2022 to 2023
Temporary reduction in trade efficiency; increased regional sourcing and nearshoring trends for packaged products.