HS Code:
The 'Weighing more than 150 g/mยฒ' category typically falls under HS codes related to paper, paperboard, or textiles, depending on the specific material (e.g., HS 4802 for uncoated paper or HS 5208 for woven cotton fabrics). This category includes products like heavy paper used for packaging, printing, or industrial purposes, or thicker fabrics for apparel and home textiles. These goods are critical in industries such as publishing, packaging, and garment manufacturing, with demand driven by global e-commerce growth and sustainable packaging needs.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $12.5 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database, International Trade Centre (ITC)
$3.2 billion USD
25.6% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$1.8 billion USD
14.4% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$1.5 billion USD
12.0% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$1.1 billion USD
8.8% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$0.9 billion USD
7.2% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing countries to protect local industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-USMCA or within WTO member states with MFN status)
Rising demand for sustainable packaging materials
Increased trade in recycled and eco-friendly heavy paper products, boosting exports from countries with advanced recycling infrastructure like Germany and the US.
2021-2023
Growth in e-commerce driving packaging needs
Significant rise in demand for heavy paper and cardboard for shipping, benefiting major exporters like China and India.
2020-2022
Shift towards digital printing technologies
Moderate decline in traditional heavy paper for printing in developed markets, offset by growth in industrial packaging applications.
2019-2023
The European Union introduced stricter sustainability requirements and tariffs on non-certified heavy paper and textile imports to promote eco-friendly production.
March 2023
Exporters from countries without robust certification systems, like certain Asian nations, face higher costs, while EU producers gain a competitive edge.
A new phase of the US-China trade agreement reduced tariffs on specific heavy paper categories, boosting bilateral trade in packaging materials.
January 2023
Increased exports from China to the US, potentially affecting domestic US producers in the short term.
India launched a subsidy program under the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) to enhance competitiveness of heavy textile and paper exports.
August 2022
Strengthened Indiaโs position as a key exporter, with a reported 15% growth in trade volume for this category in 2022-2023.