HS Code:
The 'Valued under 25ยข each' category typically includes low-cost, small-value items often classified under various Harmonized System (HS) codes depending on the specific product type. These can include small toys, trinkets, novelty items, and other miscellaneous goods that are individually priced below 25 cents. Due to their low value, these products are often traded in bulk and are subject to unique tariff considerations, such as de minimis exemptions in many countries. This category is significant in global trade for e-commerce, small-scale retail, and promotional goods markets, with a focus on high-volume, low-cost transactions often originating from manufacturing hubs in developing economies.
Total Trade Volume
USD 1.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database & World Trade Organization (WTO) Statistics
USD 750 million
62.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 150 million
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 100 million
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 80 million
6.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 60 million
5.0% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
15% (applied by certain countries with strict import controls on low-value goods)
Lowest Rate
0% (under de minimis exemptions in countries like the US and EU for shipments below a certain value threshold)
Rise of e-commerce platforms driving demand
Increased trade volume as small-value items are frequently sold through online marketplaces like AliExpress and Amazon, targeting individual consumers globally.
2021-2022
Shift towards sustainable materials
Manufacturers face pressure to use eco-friendly materials even for low-cost items, slightly increasing production costs but appealing to environmentally conscious markets.
2022
Tightening of de minimis rules in some regions
Certain countries are lowering de minimis thresholds or imposing stricter reporting requirements, potentially increasing costs for importers of low-value goods.
2023
The European Union has proposed to eliminate the de minimis exemption for goods valued under โฌ150 starting in 2024, which could impact the trade of items valued under 25ยข each by imposing VAT and customs duties on all shipments.
May 2023
Likely to increase costs for exporters to the EU and shift trade patterns towards markets with more lenient de minimis rules.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced stricter enforcement on misclassified low-value shipments to prevent tariff evasion, focusing on bulk imports of items under 25ยข each.
August 2023
May lead to delays in customs clearance and higher compliance costs for exporters, particularly from China and Southeast Asia.
China introduced tax rebates and simplified export procedures for low-value goods to boost e-commerce exports, benefiting manufacturers of items valued under 25ยข each.
March 2023
Expected to further solidify Chinaโs dominance in this category by reducing costs for exporters and increasing trade volumes.