HS Code:
The 'Plates, sheets, strips, and foil' category, typically classified under various HS Codes such as 7606 (aluminum plates, sheets, and strips) and 7210 (flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel), encompasses a wide range of flat metal products used in industries like construction, automotive, aerospace, and packaging. These products vary in material (e.g., aluminum, steel, copper) and thickness, serving purposes from structural components to decorative finishes. Global trade in this category is influenced by industrial demand, raw material availability, and economic policies.
Total Trade Volume
USD 120 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 30 billion
25% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 15 billion
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 12 billion
10% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 10 billion
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 8 billion
6.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
25% (imposed by certain countries on specific steel products under anti-dumping measures)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-Japan EPA)
Rising demand for lightweight materials
Increased trade in aluminum sheets and foils for automotive and aerospace sectors due to fuel efficiency requirements.
2021-2023
Shift towards sustainable production
Growing preference for recycled metal products, influencing trade patterns and increasing costs for non-compliant producers.
2020-2023
Supply chain disruptions
Post-COVID logistics challenges and geopolitical tensions have led to regionalization of supply chains, affecting global trade volumes.
2020-2022
The United States adjusted its Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, replacing tariffs with tariff-rate quotas for EU countries.
January 2022
Improved trade relations with the EU, leading to a 15% increase in EU exports of plates and sheets to the US.
China reduced export tax rebates on certain steel products to curb overproduction and meet environmental goals.
May 2021
Reduced Chinese exports by 10%, creating opportunities for other exporters like South Korea and Japan.
The EU introduced CBAM, imposing carbon taxes on imported steel and aluminum products to level the playing field for green producers.
Proposed 2021, phased implementation from 2023
Expected to increase costs for non-EU exporters without stringent carbon policies, potentially reducing trade volumes by 5-8%.