HS Code:
Sulfamethazine (HS Code: 2935.90) is a sulfonamide antibiotic used primarily in veterinary medicine to treat bacterial infections in livestock and poultry. It falls under the broader category of sulfonamides and related compounds in the Harmonized System (HS) classification. Sulfamethazine is crucial for maintaining animal health in agricultural sectors but is subject to strict regulatory controls due to concerns over antibiotic resistance and residues in food products. Global trade in sulfamethazine reflects the demand for affordable veterinary pharmaceuticals, particularly in regions with large livestock industries.
Total Trade Volume
USD 45 million
Data from 2022
Source
UN Comtrade Database, International Trade Centre (ITC)
USD 18 million
40% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 10 million
22% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 5 million
11% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 4 million
9% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
USD 3 million
7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
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 like EU-USA or within ASEAN)
Rising demand in developing economies
Increased trade volume due to expanding livestock sectors in Asia and Latin America, driving exports from major producers like China and India.
2021-2022
Regulatory tightening in developed markets
Stricter regulations in the EU and North America are reducing imports and pushing for alternative treatments, impacting global trade flows.
2020-2022
Shift towards antibiotic alternatives
Growing focus on probiotics and organic farming practices is reducing long-term demand for sulfamethazine in key markets.
2019-2022
The European Union introduced stricter maximum residue limits (MRLs) for sulfonamides, including sulfamethazine, in imported meat products to combat antibiotic resistance.
January 2023
Exporters to the EU, particularly from Asia, face higher compliance costs and potential market access barriers.
Major Chinese pharmaceutical companies announced investments in sulfamethazine production facilities to meet growing domestic and international demand.
September 2022
Increased supply could lower global prices, benefiting importing countries but challenging smaller producers.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration released updated guidelines on the use of medically important antibiotics like sulfamethazine in livestock, requiring veterinary oversight.
June 2023
This may reduce domestic demand in the U.S. while shifting trade patterns towards countries with less stringent regulations.