HS Code:
The Rails category, classified under HS Code 7302, encompasses railway or tramway track construction materials of iron or steel, including rails, check-rails, rack rails, and other related components. This category is critical for infrastructure development, supporting rail transport systems globally. The products are primarily used in the construction and maintenance of railway networks, including high-speed rail, freight lines, and urban transit systems. Trade in this category is influenced by large-scale infrastructure projects, urbanization, and government investments in transportation.
Total Trade Volume
USD 5.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
Average Rate
5.2%
Highest Rate
15% (applied by certain developing countries to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU internal trade or USMCA)
Increased demand for high-speed rail components
Driven by global investments in sustainable transport, particularly in Asia and Europe, leading to higher trade volumes for specialized rails.
2021-2023
Shift towards eco-friendly production
Manufacturers adopting greener steel production methods due to environmental regulations, increasing production costs but appealing to sustainability-focused markets.
2020-2022
Growth in urban transit systems
Rising urbanization in developing countries boosts demand for metro and light rail systems, positively impacting rail imports in regions like Africa and Southeast Asia.
2019-2023
The European Union imposed provisional anti-dumping duties on Chinese rail imports to protect domestic manufacturers, citing unfair pricing practices.
March 2023
Likely to reduce Chinese rail exports to the EU, potentially increasing market share for European producers like Austria and Germany.
China’s infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative have led to a surge in rail exports to Central Asia and Africa as part of railway network expansions.
January 2023
Strengthens China’s position as the leading exporter while creating new trade corridors for rail products.
The US Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act allocates significant funding for rail modernization, increasing demand for both domestic production and imports.
November 2021
Expected to drive trade volume growth for rail products in the US market, benefiting exporters like Japan and Germany.