HS Code:
The 'Rounds' category, often classified under various HS Codes depending on the specific material and use (e.g., HS 4403 for wood rounds or HS 7326 for metal rounds), generally refers to cylindrical or circular products used as raw materials or components in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and furniture production. These products can include wooden logs, metal rods, or other materials shaped into rounds. This category plays a critical role in global supply chains, particularly in industries requiring precision-cut or raw cylindrical materials. Trade in this category is influenced by factors such as raw material availability, industrial demand, and environmental regulations.
Total Trade Volume
USD 15.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 3.1 billion
20.4% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 2.8 billion
18.4% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 1.9 billion
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 1.5 billion
9.9% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
USD 1.2 billion
7.9% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5.3% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (imposed by certain developing countries on imports to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like USMCA or EU Single Market)
Rising demand for sustainable materials
Increased trade in certified wood rounds and eco-friendly metal processing, driving up costs but improving market access in environmentally conscious regions like the EU.
2021-2022
Shift towards automation in manufacturing
Higher demand for precision-cut metal rounds for use in automated machinery, benefiting exporters with advanced production capabilities.
2020-2022
Supply chain disruptions due to geopolitical tensions
Reduced availability of raw materials from key exporters like Russia and Ukraine, leading to price volatility and diversification of supply sources.
2022
The European Union introduced new regulations under the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) requiring proof of sustainable sourcing for wood rounds and related products entering the market.
June 2023
Exporters to the EU must invest in certification processes, potentially increasing costs but ensuring long-term market access.
A new phase of the US-China trade agreement reduced tariffs on certain metal rounds, aiming to balance trade and support manufacturing industries in both countries.
March 2023
Increased trade volume between the two countries, benefiting US importers and Chinese exporters of metal rounds.
Canada introduced tighter export controls on raw wood rounds to prioritize domestic processing and reduce environmental impact.
January 2023
Reduced export volumes from Canada, prompting importing countries to seek alternative suppliers like Russia or Brazil.