HS Code:
Silicon dioxide amorphous, certified as comprising entirely spherical micro-spheres with a mean particle size of 28 to 45 micrometers (µm) and a surface area of 600 to 800 m²/g (CAS No. 7631-86-9), falls under HS Code 2811.22.10. This product is a form of synthetic amorphous silica, widely used in industries such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and as a filler or anti-caking agent due to its high surface area and spherical structure. Its unique properties make it valuable for applications requiring precise particle size and high purity.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $1.2 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database, International Trade Centre (ITC)
$320 million USD
26.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$280 million USD
23.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$180 million USD
15.0% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$150 million USD
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$90 million USD
7.5% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
3.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
6.0% (applied by certain developing countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as EU-Japan EPA)
Growing demand in cosmetics and personal care products
Increased use as a texturizing and anti-caking agent drives export volumes, particularly in Asia-Pacific markets.
2021-2023
Rising adoption in pharmaceutical manufacturing
High-purity amorphous silica is increasingly used as a flow agent in tablet production, boosting demand in North America and Europe.
2020-2022
Sustainability concerns in production
Manufacturers face pressure to adopt eco-friendly production processes, influencing costs and trade competitiveness.
2022-2023
The European Union introduced stricter guidelines on workplace exposure limits for amorphous silica to minimize health risks from inhalation.
March 2023
May increase compliance costs for exporters to the EU, potentially affecting smaller suppliers.
A bilateral agreement reduced tariffs on certain industrial chemicals, including amorphous silica, to promote trade.
January 2023
Expected to boost exports from China to the US, potentially shifting market shares.
A leading German manufacturer announced a new production technique reducing energy consumption in silica micro-sphere synthesis.
June 2022
Could lower production costs and strengthen Germany's position as a top exporter.