HS Code:
The category of spoons, forks, ladles, skimmers, cake-servers, fish-knives, butter-knives, sugar tongs, and similar kitchen or tableware, along with their base metal parts (HS Code: 8215), encompasses a wide range of household and kitchen utensils primarily made of base metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, or other alloys. This category includes both finished products and parts thereof, used for dining, cooking, and serving purposes. These items are essential in households, restaurants, and catering services globally, making this a significant category in international trade of household goods. The trade of these products is influenced by factors such as material costs, labor costs in manufacturing countries, consumer preferences for design and durability, and trade policies including tariffs and quality standards.
Total Trade Volume
USD 3.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
Average Rate
6.5%
Highest Rate
25% (imposed by certain developing countries to protect local industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU Single Market or USMCA)
Shift towards sustainable materials
Increased demand for eco-friendly and recyclable metal utensils, prompting manufacturers to innovate with sustainable production methods.
2021-2022
Rising e-commerce sales
Growth in online retail platforms has expanded market access for smaller manufacturers and increased competition, affecting pricing strategies.
2020-2022
Automation in manufacturing
Adoption of automated production technologies has reduced costs and improved quality, particularly in high-export countries like China and Germany.
2019-2022
The United States imposed additional tariffs on Chinese kitchen and tableware products under Section 301, citing unfair trade practices.
September 2022
Increased costs for US importers and consumers, with a shift in sourcing to alternative countries like Vietnam and India.
The European Union introduced stricter regulations on metal composition and packaging under the Green Deal, affecting imports of kitchenware.
January 2023
Manufacturers exporting to the EU must adapt to new sustainability standards, potentially increasing production costs but enhancing market reputation for compliance.
India launched incentives under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to boost manufacturing and export of kitchenware and tableware.
April 2022
Increased competitiveness of Indian products in the global market, contributing to a rise in export volumes.