HS Code:
Vinyl chloride, also known as chloroethylene (HS Code: 2903.21), is a key industrial chemical primarily used in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a versatile plastic material widely used in construction, packaging, and automotive industries. It is a colorless gas with a mild, sweet odor, and is classified as a hazardous material due to its flammability and potential health risks, including carcinogenicity. The global trade of vinyl chloride is driven by demand for PVC products, particularly in developing economies with rapid urbanization and infrastructure development.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately 5.2 million metric tons
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database, International Trade Centre (ITC)
1.8 million metric tons
34.6% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
1.2 million metric tons
23.1% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
0.6 million metric tons
11.5% of total trade of total trade
Stable
0.5 million metric tons
9.6% of total trade of total trade
Stable
0.4 million metric tons
7.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
5.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (imposed by certain developing countries to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as USMCA and EU-Japan EPA)
Growing demand for PVC in construction and infrastructure
Increased production and export of vinyl chloride, especially from the US and China, to meet rising demand in Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions
2021-2022
Shift towards sustainable production methods
Investments in greener technologies to reduce carbon footprint and comply with environmental regulations are influencing production costs and trade dynamics
2020-2022
Fluctuations in raw material prices
Volatility in ethylene and chlorine prices, key inputs for vinyl chloride, affects production costs and export competitiveness
2022
Following the US Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, demand for PVC in construction has surged, prompting a significant increase in vinyl chloride exports to meet global supply needs.
November 2021
Strengthened US position as the leading exporter, with a notable rise in trade volume to Asia-Pacific countries.
The European Union introduced stricter safety and environmental regulations for the handling and transport of vinyl chloride, aligning with REACH guidelines to minimize health risks.
March 2022
Increased compliance costs for exporters to the EU market, potentially reducing trade volumes from non-compliant countries.
China announced plans to expand its vinyl chloride production facilities to reduce reliance on imports and support its growing domestic PVC industry.
July 2022
Potential reduction in import demand from China, affecting major exporters like the US and Japan in the long term.