HS Code:
The 'Sorted' category under the Harmonized System (HS) Code generally refers to a classification of goods that have been sorted or categorized based on specific criteria such as size, quality, or type. This category often applies to raw materials, agricultural products, or recyclable materials like sorted paper, plastics, or metals. The specific HS Code is not provided in the query, so this response assumes a general context for sorted goods. These products play a critical role in global supply chains, particularly in industries focused on recycling, manufacturing, and agriculture.
Total Trade Volume
USD 15.3 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 3.2 billion
20.9% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 2.5 billion
16.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 2.1 billion
13.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 1.8 billion
11.8% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 1.5 billion
9.8% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5.2%
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing economies)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU Single Market)
Rising demand for sorted recyclable materials
Increased trade volume due to global sustainability initiatives and circular economy policies.
2021-2022
Technological advancements in sorting processes
Improved efficiency and quality of sorted goods, leading to higher export competitiveness for technologically advanced nations.
2020-2022
Shift toward regional trade blocs
Reduced tariffs within trade blocs like the EU and ASEAN, encouraging intra-regional trade of sorted goods.
2019-2022
The European Union updated its Circular Economy Action Plan, introducing stricter regulations on the import of sorted recyclable materials to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
March 2023
Potential reduction in imports from non-compliant countries, while increasing demand for high-quality sorted materials.
China expanded its ban on unsorted waste imports, pushing global exporters to improve sorting technologies and redirect trade to other markets like Southeast Asia.
January 2021
Significant shift in trade patterns, with increased competition in alternative markets.
The United States announced a $1 billion investment in domestic recycling and sorting infrastructure to reduce reliance on foreign markets for waste processing.
November 2022
Likely to boost domestic sorting capacity and reduce export volumes of unsorted materials.