HS Code:
The 'Single Vitamins' category, classified under HS Code 2936, encompasses individual vitamin compounds and their derivatives used primarily in dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, and food fortification. This category includes essential vitamins such as Vitamin A, B-complex, C, D, E, and K, which are critical for human health. The global trade of single vitamins is driven by increasing health awareness, aging populations, and the rising demand for nutritional supplements. This market is also influenced by advancements in biotechnology and the growing trend of personalized nutrition.
Total Trade Volume
USD 5.8 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database, International Trade Centre (ITC)
Average Rate
5.2%
Highest Rate
15% (applied by certain developing countries to protect local industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as EU-Switzerland or USMCA)
Rising demand for Vitamin D and C due to immunity concerns
Increased export volumes from major producers like China and the US, with a focus on health supplements post-COVID-19
2021-2022
Shift towards plant-based and synthetic vitamins
Growing vegan population and sustainability concerns are driving innovation in vitamin production, impacting trade patterns
2020-2022
E-commerce boom for dietary supplements
Direct-to-consumer sales have increased imports in smaller quantities, affecting bulk trade dynamics
2021-2023
A new phase of trade negotiations has reduced tariffs on certain vitamin exports from China to the US, boosting trade volume.
January 2023
Expected to increase Chinese exports by 10-15% in 2023, benefiting US supplement manufacturers with lower input costs.
The European Union introduced stricter regulations on vitamin supplement claims and labeling, requiring additional compliance from exporters.
July 2022
Increased compliance costs for exporters like India and China, potentially slowing trade to EU markets temporarily.
Swiss companies have pioneered new biotechnological methods for producing high-purity vitamins, strengthening their market position.
March 2023
Likely to maintain Switzerland's dominance in high-value vitamin segments, attracting premium markets globally.