HS Code:
Slag wool, rock wool, and similar mineral wools (including intermixtures thereof), in bulk, sheets, or rolls, fall under HS Code 6806.10. These materials are primarily used for thermal and acoustic insulation in construction and industrial applications. They are manufactured by melting and spinning mineral materials like basalt or slag into fibrous forms. This category is critical for energy-efficient building solutions and industrial heat management, with demand driven by construction activity, environmental regulations, and energy conservation initiatives.
Total Trade Volume
USD 2.5 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 450 million
18% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 400 million
16% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 350 million
14% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 250 million
10% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 200 million
8% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5.2%
Highest Rate
12% (imposed by certain developing countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU internal trade or USMCA)
Growing demand for sustainable building materials
Increased adoption of mineral wool insulation due to its eco-friendly properties and energy efficiency, driving market growth particularly in Europe and North America.
2021-2023
Rising construction activities in Asia-Pacific
Rapid urbanization and infrastructure development in countries like China and India have boosted demand for insulation materials, increasing trade volumes.
2020-2022
Technological advancements in production
Innovations in manufacturing processes have reduced costs and improved product performance, enhancing competitiveness of exporters like Germany and Poland.
2019-2023
The European Union's Green Deal has introduced stricter energy efficiency standards for buildings, increasing demand for high-performance insulation materials like rock wool and slag wool.
January 2023
Expected to boost imports and production within the EU, benefiting key exporters like Germany and Poland.
The United States imposed additional tariffs on Chinese mineral wool products as part of ongoing trade tensions, citing unfair trade practices.
March 2022
Shift in market share towards European and domestic US suppliers, though costs for US consumers have risen.
A major mineral wool manufacturer opened a new production facility in Vietnam, aiming to cater to the growing Southeast Asian market.
September 2023
Likely to reduce export dependency on China and increase regional supply capacity, affecting global trade patterns.