HS Code:
The 'Trays' category, typically classified under HS Code 3924 (Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and hygienic or toilet articles, of plastics) or related codes depending on material (e.g., 4419 for wooden trays, 7323 for metal trays), includes a variety of serving trays, storage trays, and utility trays used in households, restaurants, and industrial settings. These products are essential for organization, serving food and beverages, and various functional purposes. The category spans materials such as plastic, metal, wood, and bamboo, with trade patterns influenced by material availability, manufacturing costs, and consumer preferences for sustainability and design.
Total Trade Volume
USD 2.5 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database & World Trade Organization (WTO)
USD 900 million
36% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 400 million
16% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 250 million
10% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 200 million
8% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 150 million
6% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
6.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing countries to protect local industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU Single Market or USMCA)
Rising demand for eco-friendly trays
Increased trade in bamboo and recycled plastic trays as consumers and regulations push for sustainable materials, impacting traditional plastic tray exports negatively.
2021-2023
Growth in e-commerce and home delivery services
Boosted demand for durable serving and storage trays for food delivery and home organization, benefiting countries with strong manufacturing bases like China and Vietnam.
2020-2022
Automation in manufacturing
Reduced production costs in developed countries like Germany and the US, allowing them to compete with low-cost exporters in specific high-end tray segments.
2019-2023
The European Union introduced new directives under the Single-Use Plastics Directive, limiting the use of certain non-recyclable plastics in tray manufacturing and requiring clear labeling of material composition.
July 2023
Exporters to the EU, especially from Asia, face higher compliance costs, potentially reducing market share for non-compliant manufacturers while boosting eco-friendly alternatives.
Ongoing trade disputes led to additional tariffs on Chinese-made plastic and metal trays entering the US market, prompting buyers to source from alternative countries like Vietnam and India.
March 2022
Diversification of supply chains away from China, with a notable increase in imports from Southeast Asian countries.
A growing trend in home decor and hospitality industries has increased demand for aesthetically designed trays made from premium materials like wood and stainless steel.
January 2023
Higher export revenues for countries like Germany and Italy, which specialize in high-end household products, while mass producers face tighter margins.