HS Code:
Sodium erythorbate (also known as Sodium isoascorbate) is a food additive used primarily as an antioxidant and preservative in the food industry. It is a sodium salt of erythorbic acid, commonly employed to maintain color and flavor in processed meats, beverages, and canned foods. Classified under HS Code 29322090 (lactones, including derivatives), it is a niche chemical product with significant applications in food safety and shelf-life extension. Its trade is influenced by food processing industry demand, regulatory standards, and production capabilities of key manufacturing countries.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $50 million USD
Data from 2022
Source
UN Comtrade Database and ITC Trade Map
$30 million USD
60% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$8 million USD
16% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$5 million USD
10% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$3 million USD
6% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$2 million USD
4% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (imposed by certain developing countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-Japan EPA)
Growing demand in processed food industry
Increased trade volume due to rising consumption of packaged and preserved foods, especially in emerging markets like India and Brazil.
2021-2023
Shift towards natural antioxidants
Moderate threat to sodium erythorbate demand as consumers and regulators push for natural alternatives like rosemary extract.
2020-2022
Regulatory tightening in the EU
Stricter EU regulations on food additives have led to higher compliance costs for exporters, impacting smaller suppliers.
2022
China has ramped up production capacity for sodium erythorbate, benefiting from lower production costs and government subsidies for chemical exports.
Mid-2022
Increased global supply has driven down prices, benefiting importers but pressuring smaller producers in other regions.
The United States reviewed tariffs on chemical imports, including food additives, maintaining a moderate rate on sodium erythorbate to balance domestic production and import needs.
Early 2023
Stable import costs for US buyers, with no significant disruption to trade flows from key suppliers like China.
The European Union updated its food additive regulations, requiring additional safety data for synthetic antioxidants like sodium erythorbate.
Late 2022
Exporters to the EU face higher compliance costs, potentially reducing profit margins for smaller players.