HS Code:
The Sorting, screening, separating, or washing machines category (HS Code: 8474) includes machinery used for processing materials by sorting, screening, separating, or washing. These machines are critical in industries such as mining, construction, and recycling, where they are used to separate materials like ores, aggregates, and waste. This category encompasses a wide range of equipment, from industrial sieves and separators to washing plants for minerals and sand. The global trade of these machines reflects the demand for efficient material processing in infrastructure development and resource extraction industries.
Total Trade Volume
USD 5.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
Average Rate
5.3%
Highest Rate
12% (imposed by certain developing countries to protect local industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU Single Market or USMCA)
Increasing demand for automated and energy-efficient machinery
Manufacturers are investing in R&D to develop smart sorting and separating technologies, boosting trade in high-tech equipment, particularly from Germany and Japan.
2021-2022
Growth in mining and recycling industries
Rising global demand for raw materials and sustainable waste management has driven the need for advanced screening and washing machines, especially in emerging markets like India and Brazil.
2020-2022
Shift towards localized production
Some countries are incentivizing domestic production of industrial machinery to reduce dependency on imports, affecting trade flows from major exporters like China.
2022
The European Union introduced stricter environmental and safety standards for imported sorting and screening machinery, requiring compliance with updated CE marking guidelines.
March 2023
Non-compliant exporters, particularly from Asia, may face reduced market access, while European manufacturers could see a competitive advantage.
The United States extended tariffs on Chinese-made industrial machinery, including sorting and separating equipment, as part of ongoing trade disputes.
January 2023
Increased costs for US importers and potential shift in supply chains towards other countries like Germany or South Korea.
A leading German manufacturer unveiled a new AI-powered sorting machine that improves material separation efficiency by 30%, gaining significant market interest.
September 2022
Expected to drive export growth from Germany and increase competition in the high-tech segment of this market.