HS Code:
Slitting lines, cut-to-length lines, and other shearing machines (excluding presses) for flat products, other than combined punching and shearing machines, fall under HS Code 8462.31. These machines are essential in the metalworking industry, used primarily for cutting and shaping flat metal products such as sheets and coils into specific sizes and shapes. Slitting lines are used to cut wide metal coils into narrower strips, while cut-to-length lines cut metal sheets into precise lengths. Other shearing machines included in this category are designed for specialized cutting tasks. These machines are critical in industries such as automotive, construction, and manufacturing, where precision and efficiency in metal processing are paramount.
Total Trade Volume
USD 1.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 320 million
26.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 250 million
20.8% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 180 million
15.0% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 150 million
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 100 million
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (imposed by certain developing countries to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as EU-Japan EPA or USMCA)
Automation and Industry 4.0 Integration
Increased demand for advanced slitting and cut-to-length lines with IoT and automation features, improving precision and reducing labor costs.
2021-2023
Rising Demand in Emerging Markets
Growth in infrastructure and automotive sectors in countries like India and Brazil is driving demand for metal processing machinery.
2020-2022
Shift Toward Lightweight Materials
Growing use of aluminum and advanced high-strength steel in automotive industries is necessitating specialized shearing equipment.
2019-2023
The European Union introduced provisional anti-dumping duties ranging from 8% to 15% on Chinese-made slitting and cut-to-length lines to protect domestic manufacturers.
March 2023
This may lead to higher costs for EU importers and a shift in sourcing to other countries like South Korea or Turkey.
Major manufacturers in Germany and Japan unveiled new slitting lines with AI-driven quality control systems, enhancing precision and reducing material waste.
September 2022
This innovation is expected to increase adoption rates in high-precision industries like aerospace and automotive.
Revised rules under the USMCA have reduced tariffs on shearing machinery traded between the US, Canada, and Mexico, fostering regional trade.
January 2023
This development is likely to boost trade volumes within North America, benefiting US exporters.