HS Code:
Polypropylene in pellet form, containing 18% to 22% by weight of mineral filler (talc), falls under HS Code 3902.10.00. This product is a type of thermoplastic polymer used extensively in various industries, including automotive, packaging, and consumer goods, due to its enhanced mechanical properties from the talc filler, such as increased stiffness and thermal resistance. The mineral filler also helps in reducing production costs while maintaining structural integrity. This specific category of polypropylene is often utilized in manufacturing components that require higher durability and heat resistance, such as automotive parts and household appliances.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately 1.2 million metric tons
Data from 2022
Source
International Trade Centre (ITC) Trade Map and UN Comtrade Database
320,000 metric tons
26.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
250,000 metric tons
20.8% of total trade of total trade
Stable
180,000 metric tons
15.0% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
120,000 metric tons
10.0% of total trade of total trade
Stable
100,000 metric tons
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
10% (applied by certain developing countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like USMCA and EU-Japan EPA)
Rising demand in automotive sector
Increased use of talc-filled polypropylene for lightweight and durable automotive components to improve fuel efficiency drives trade volume growth, particularly in the US and China.
2021-2022
Shift towards sustainable materials
Growing emphasis on recyclable and bio-based polypropylene alternatives is creating pressure on traditional talc-filled products, affecting market share in Europe.
2022
Fluctuations in raw material prices
Volatility in propylene feedstock prices impacts production costs, influencing export competitiveness of major producers like South Korea and Japan.
2020-2022
The European Union introduced new regulations requiring higher percentages of recyclable content in polypropylene products, including talc-filled variants, to meet circular economy goals.
June 2023
This may increase production costs for exporters to the EU, potentially shifting trade flows towards markets with less stringent regulations.
Recent negotiations under the Phase One trade agreement have reduced tariffs on certain chemical and polymer products, including talc-filled polypropylene, boosting bilateral trade.
March 2023
This development is expected to increase export volumes from China to the US, benefiting Chinese manufacturers.
New compounding techniques for talc-filled polypropylene have been adopted by major producers in Germany, improving product performance and reducing filler content variability.
January 2023
This is likely to strengthen Germany’s position in the premium segment of the market, potentially increasing export values.