HS Code:
Sign plates, name plates, address plates, and similar plates, numbers, letters, and other symbols, and parts thereof, of base metal (excluding those of heading 9405) fall under HS Code 8310.00. This category includes products used for identification, signage, and labeling purposes, made primarily from base metals such as aluminum, brass, or steel. These items are widely used in commercial, industrial, and residential settings for purposes like marking addresses, indicating directions, or branding. Global trade in this category is influenced by industrial demand, construction activities, and urbanization trends.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately USD 250 million
Data from 2022
Source
UN Comtrade Database, International Trade Centre (ITC)
USD 80 million
32% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 45 million
18% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 30 million
12% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 20 million
8% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 15 million
6% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (in certain developing countries with protective measures)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU Single Market or USMCA)
Rising demand for customized signage solutions
Increased trade volume due to growth in branding and personalization needs in commercial sectors
2021-2022
Shift towards sustainable materials
Growing preference for eco-friendly base metals and recycling practices influencing production and trade patterns
2020-2022
Urbanization and infrastructure development
Higher demand in emerging economies for signage in public spaces, driving export growth from major manufacturing hubs
2019-2022
The European Union introduced provisional anti-dumping duties on imports of base metal sign plates from China to protect domestic producers from unfairly priced goods.
March 2023
Potential shift in trade flows, with buyers exploring alternative suppliers in countries like India or Vietnam.
Revised rules under the USMCA have facilitated tariff-free trade of base metal signage products among the US, Canada, and Mexico, boosting regional trade.
January 2023
Increased intra-regional trade volume, particularly benefiting US and Mexican exporters.
Adoption of laser engraving and digital printing technologies in the production of sign plates has improved product quality and customization options.
Mid-2022
Enhanced competitiveness of manufacturers in developed markets like Germany and Japan, potentially increasing their market share.