HS Code:
Partially hydrogenated salad and cooking oils fall under the category of edible vegetable oils that have undergone partial hydrogenation to improve shelf life and stability for cooking purposes. These oils are commonly used in households and the food industry for frying, baking, and salad dressings. However, due to health concerns related to trans fats produced during hydrogenation, demand for these products has been declining in many regions, with a shift toward healthier alternatives like non-hydrogenated or fully hydrogenated oils. This category is typically classified under HS Code 1516 (Animal or vegetable fats and oils, partly or wholly hydrogenated).
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $2.5 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
$600 million USD
24% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$550 million USD
22% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$300 million USD
12% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
$250 million USD
10% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
$200 million USD
8% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
8.5%
Highest Rate
30% (applied by certain developing countries to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU Single Market or ASEAN Free Trade Area)
Declining demand due to health concerns over trans fats
Shift in consumer preference toward healthier alternatives like olive oil or non-hydrogenated oils, leading to reduced trade volumes in developed markets
2020-2022
Increased production of sustainable palm oil-based hydrogenated oils
Growth in exports from Indonesia and Malaysia, driven by sustainability certifications and demand from food processing industries in Asia
2021-2023
Regulatory bans on trans fats in key markets
Significant drop in imports by countries like the United States and EU member states due to strict regulations on trans fat content in food products
2018-2022
The European Union implemented a regulation limiting trans fat content in food to 2 grams per 100 grams of fat, effective from April 2021, impacting imports of partially hydrogenated oils.
April 2021
Reduced exports to EU markets, pushing producers to reformulate products or shift focus to other regions.
Indonesia introduced stricter sustainability standards for palm oil production, including partially hydrogenated oils, to meet global demand for environmentally friendly products.
January 2022
Increased export competitiveness in markets prioritizing sustainability, though production costs have risen.
The US Food and Drug Administration updated labeling requirements, mandating clearer disclosure of trans fat content, further discouraging the use of partially hydrogenated oils.
June 2023
Continued decline in US imports of partially hydrogenated oils as manufacturers seek alternatives.