HS Code:
The 'Weighing more than 340 g/m² (410)' category, typically associated with heavy-weight paper or paperboard under the Harmonized System (HS) Code 4802.54 or related codes, includes products such as cardboard, kraft paper, and other materials used for packaging, industrial applications, and construction purposes. These products are critical in industries requiring durable and high-strength materials for shipping containers, protective packaging, and specialty applications. This category is a significant segment of the global paper and paperboard market, driven by e-commerce growth, industrial production, and sustainability trends favoring recyclable materials.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $15.2 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database, International Trade Centre (ITC)
$3.8 billion USD
25.0% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$2.5 billion USD
16.4% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$1.9 billion USD
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$1.2 billion USD
7.9% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$0.9 billion USD
5.9% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12.0% (imposed by certain developing countries to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0.0% (under free trade agreements like EU internal trade or USMCA)
Rising demand due to e-commerce growth
Increased need for heavy-weight packaging materials for shipping has boosted trade volumes, particularly in Asia-Pacific and North America.
2021-2023
Shift towards sustainable materials
Growing preference for recycled and eco-friendly paperboard has led to higher production costs but also opened new markets in environmentally conscious regions like Europe.
2020-2022
Supply chain disruptions
Global shipping delays and raw material shortages (e.g., wood pulp) have caused price volatility and affected trade flows, especially in 2021.
2021
The European Union introduced anti-dumping duties ranging from 4.5% to 10% on heavy-weight paperboard imports from China to protect domestic producers.
March 2023
This is expected to reduce Chinese exports to the EU while increasing opportunities for suppliers from other regions like North America and Scandinavia.
Revised rules under the USMCA have streamlined tariff-free trade of paperboard products between the US, Canada, and Mexico, boosting regional trade.
January 2023
North American manufacturers have seen a 5% increase in intra-regional trade volume for this category.
Several countries, including Germany and Japan, have introduced stricter requirements for Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for imported paper products.
July 2022
Non-compliant exporters may face market access barriers, while certified producers gain competitive advantage.