HS Code:
Railway rails for rerolling (HS Code: 730210) are iron or steel rails primarily used in the railway industry, which are rerolled or repurposed for various applications. This category includes rails that are not in their final form for direct railway track use but are instead processed further for other structural or industrial purposes. These products are critical in infrastructure development, particularly in emerging economies with expanding railway networks, and are also used in construction and manufacturing industries. Global trade in this category is influenced by steel production capacities, infrastructure investments, and recycling trends.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $1.2 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database, International Trade Centre (ITC)
$350 million USD
29.2% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$200 million USD
16.7% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$150 million USD
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
$120 million USD
10.0% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$100 million USD
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5.8% ad valorem
Highest Rate
15% (applied by certain developing countries to protect domestic steel industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU internal trade or specific bilateral agreements)
Rising demand in Asia-Pacific for railway infrastructure
Increased exports from major steel-producing countries like China and India to meet infrastructure needs in the region
2021-2023
Shift towards sustainable steel production
Growing preference for recycled or rerolled rails to reduce carbon footprint, boosting trade in secondary steel markets
2020-2022
Fluctuating raw material prices
Volatility in iron ore and scrap steel prices affecting production costs and trade margins globally
2022
The European Union introduced anti-dumping duties ranging from 7.6% to 10.3% on certain Chinese steel products, including railway rails for rerolling, to protect domestic manufacturers.
March 2023
Potential reduction in Chinese exports to the EU, redirecting trade flows to other regions like Southeast Asia.
India announced a $1.4 trillion infrastructure investment plan, with a significant focus on railway expansion, increasing domestic demand and imports of rerolled rails.
January 2023
Higher trade volumes expected for exporting countries like China and Russia targeting the Indian market.
Several countries, including Japan and Germany, have introduced policies to promote steel recycling, impacting the trade of rerolled railway rails as a sustainable material.
October 2022
Increased trade in rerolled rails as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to new steel production.