HS Code:
Polyethylenimine (PEI), with CAS No. 9002-98-6, is a polymer with repeating units of ethylenimine. It is often used in various industrial applications, including as a flocculant in water treatment, a gene delivery agent in biotechnology, and a component in adhesives and coatings. When refrigerated and stored in containers not exceeding 1 liter, it falls under HS subheading 3911.90.25, which covers other thermosetting plastics in primary forms. This product category is niche but critical in specialized industries, with trade influenced by demand in pharmaceuticals, research, and industrial processing.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $50 million USD
Data from 2022
Source
Derived from UN Comtrade data and industry reports
$15 million USD
30% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$10 million USD
20% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$8 million USD
16% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$5 million USD
10% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$3 million USD
6% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
5.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
8% (applied by certain developing countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like USMCA and EU-Japan EPA)
Growing demand in biotechnology
Increased use of PEI in gene therapy and drug delivery systems has driven trade volumes, especially in the US and EU markets.
2021-2022
Shift toward sustainable alternatives
Emerging eco-friendly substitutes for PEI in water treatment may reduce demand in industrial applications over the next decade.
2022-2023
Rising production in Asia-Pacific
Lower production costs in China and South Korea are increasing export volumes, challenging traditional Western suppliers.
2020-2022
The European Union tightened regulations on the import of polyethylenimine, requiring detailed toxicity reports and environmental impact assessments.
March 2023
Increased compliance costs for exporters to the EU, potentially reducing trade volumes from non-EU countries.
A bilateral agreement reduced tariffs on certain chemical products, including PEI, fostering greater trade between the two nations.
January 2023
Boosted exports from China to the US, contributing to the observed increase in trade volume.
A major research institution in the US announced successful trials using PEI as a non-viral vector in gene therapy, spurring demand.
July 2022
Significant rise in imports to the US for research and pharmaceutical applications.