HS Code:
Selenium (HS Code: 2804.90) is a chemical element classified under the category of non-metals. It is primarily used in the production of glass, electronics, and photovoltaic cells for solar energy. Selenium is also utilized in pigments, metallurgy, and as a nutritional supplement in agriculture. Global trade in selenium is driven by demand in industrial applications, particularly in renewable energy technologies and electronics manufacturing. It is often traded in forms such as selenium powder, granules, or compounds like selenium dioxide.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $150 million USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database, International Trade Centre (ITC)
$35 million USD
23.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$30 million USD
20.0% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$20 million USD
13.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$18 million USD
12.0% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$15 million USD
10.0% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
3.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
8% (applied by certain developing countries to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as EU-Japan EPA or USMCA)
Growing demand for selenium in solar panel production
Increased trade volumes, particularly in countries investing in renewable energy, driving up prices due to supply constraints
2021-2022
Shift towards sustainable sourcing and recycling
Rising interest in recycled selenium from electronic waste, reducing dependency on mined resources and impacting trade patterns
2020-2022
Technological advancements in electronics
Stable demand from the electronics sector for selenium in glass and semiconductor applications, maintaining consistent trade flows
2019-2022
China introduced stricter export quotas on selenium to prioritize domestic solar panel manufacturing, impacting global supply chains.
March 2023
Potential price increases and supply shortages for importing countries like Japan and South Korea
The European Union's Green Deal initiatives have increased funding for renewable energy projects, driving demand for selenium in photovoltaic cells.
January 2023
Higher import volumes into EU countries, benefiting exporters like Japan and the United States
A major recycling facility for selenium from electronic waste opened in Germany, aiming to reduce reliance on imported raw materials.
September 2022
Potential decrease in import demand from Germany, affecting global trade dynamics