HS Code:
Poly(vinyl acetate) (PVA) of a kind used in food preparations, classified under HS subheading 3905.19.00 and CAS No. 9003-20-7, is a synthetic polymer primarily used as an emulsifier, stabilizer, or thickener in food products. It is commonly found in chewing gum bases, food coatings, and adhesives for food packaging. This product category is a niche but essential segment of the broader polymer and food additive markets, with demand driven by the food processing and packaging industries. Its trade is influenced by food safety regulations, regional production capacities, and advancements in food technology.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $150 million USD
Data from 2022
Source
Estimated based on data from UN Comtrade, ITC Trade Map, and industry reports
$45 million USD
30% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$30 million USD
20% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$25 million USD
16.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$15 million USD
10% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$10 million USD
6.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (imposed by certain developing countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like USMCA and EU-Japan EPA)
Growing demand for processed foods
Increased need for food-grade PVA in stabilizers and emulsifiers, particularly in Asia-Pacific and North America, driving trade volumes upward by 5-7% annually.
2021-2023
Shift towards sustainable packaging
Rising interest in biodegradable alternatives to traditional PVA, potentially reducing demand for conventional PVA in food packaging over the next decade.
2022-2023
Technological advancements in polymer synthesis
Improved production efficiency and quality of food-grade PVA, leading to competitive pricing and expanded market access for exporters like China and South Korea.
2020-2022
The European Union updated its food safety standards, requiring stricter testing for synthetic polymers like PVA used in food preparations, impacting exporters to the region.
June 2023
Potential short-term trade disruptions for non-compliant suppliers, with a projected 3-5% drop in EU imports until compliance is achieved.
A bilateral agreement reduced tariffs on certain chemical products, including food-grade polymers, facilitating smoother trade flows between the two largest economies.
March 2022
Increased export volumes from China to the US, contributing to a 10% rise in trade value for this category.
Major chemical companies in Japan and Germany unveiled bio-based PVA alternatives for food applications, aiming to meet sustainability goals.
September 2023
Potential shift in market dynamics as eco-friendly alternatives gain traction, possibly reducing demand for traditional PVA by 5-10% over the next 5 years.