HS Code:
The category under HS Code subheadings 1704.90.78 and 3006.93.20 pertains to specific sugar confectionery products (not containing cocoa) and certain pharmaceutical products, respectively. Subheading 1704.90.78 includes sugar confectionery such as candies, gummies, and other sweets that do not contain cocoa, often subject to specific tariff quotas or restrictions. Subheading 3006.93.20 relates to placebos and blinded (or double-blinded) clinical trial kits used in pharmaceutical research, reflecting a niche but critical segment of the medical supply chain. These categories represent a blend of consumer goods and specialized medical products, with trade influenced by health regulations, consumer demand, and international trade agreements.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $2.5 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
World Trade Organization (WTO) and International Trade Centre (ITC) Trade Map
$650 million USD
26% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$480 million USD
19% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$320 million USD
13% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$250 million USD
10% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$200 million USD
8% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5.6% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12.2% (applied by certain developing countries under protective measures for local confectionery industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like USMCA for qualifying goods)
Rising demand for sugar-free and organic confectionery
Increased exports from countries with advanced food technology and organic certification, such as Germany and the US
2021-2022
Growth in clinical trial activities globally
Higher trade volume for blinded clinical trial kits, particularly to research hubs in the US and EU
2020-2022
Shift towards regional supply chains
Reduced dependency on long-distance imports, with countries like Mexico and Canada gaining market share in North America
2021-2022
Revised tariff quotas under the USMCA agreement have facilitated increased trade of sugar confectionery between the US, Mexico, and Canada, with reduced rates for qualifying goods.
January 2022
Boosted trade volumes by approximately 8% among member countries, strengthening regional supply chains.
The European Union introduced stricter compliance requirements for importing blinded clinical trial kits to ensure patient safety and data integrity.
March 2023
Slightly increased costs for exporters to the EU due to additional certification needs, but improved market trust in product quality.
China implemented subsidies and protective tariffs to support local confectionery manufacturers, impacting import volumes from other countries.
July 2022
Reduced imports by 5% in 2022, while domestic production and exports saw a marginal rise.