HS Code:
Prefabricated buildings (HS Code: 9406) include structures such as modular homes, portable cabins, and pre-assembled industrial or commercial buildings made of materials like steel, wood, or concrete. These products are manufactured off-site and assembled on location, offering cost-effective and time-efficient solutions for housing, offices, and temporary facilities. This category is driven by demand in construction, disaster relief, and rapid urbanization, with significant trade influenced by manufacturing capabilities, logistics, and regional infrastructure needs.
Total Trade Volume
USD 12.5 billion
Data from 2022
Source
UN Comtrade Database
USD 3.8 billion
30.4% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 1.9 billion
15.2% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 1.5 billion
12.0% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 1.2 billion
9.6% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 0.9 billion
7.2% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
6.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-USMCA)
Rising demand for sustainable and eco-friendly prefabricated buildings
Increased focus on green certifications and energy-efficient materials, driving innovation in the sector
2021-2023
Growth in modular construction for disaster relief and temporary housing
Boost in exports to regions affected by natural disasters and conflicts, especially in Asia-Pacific and Africa
2020-2022
Adoption of digital tools and automation in prefabrication
Reduction in production costs and lead times, making prefabricated buildings more competitive against traditional construction
2019-2023
The European Union introduced provisional anti-dumping duties ranging from 8% to 15% on certain Chinese prefabricated building exporters to protect domestic manufacturers.
March 2023
Potential shift in trade flows, with buyers looking to alternative suppliers in Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe
The US Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act allocated funds for rapid-deployment housing and facilities, increasing imports of prefabricated buildings.
November 2021
Significant growth in trade volume for US imports, especially from Canada and Mexico under USMCA
Countries like Japan and Australia introduced stricter environmental standards for prefabricated buildings, focusing on recyclable materials and low-carbon production.
July 2022
Increased production costs for exporters not meeting standards, but long-term growth in demand for compliant products