Product intelligence · HS 284990 · 2024 data

Carbides: whether or not chemically defined, other than of calcium or silicon

Global exports of carbides: whether or not chemically defined, other than of calcium or silicon totalled $824,529,871 in 2024, a -0.5% change from the previous year. Traded by 82 countries across 1,067 bilateral corridors, with demand from 158 importing markets. The long-term trend is declining.

Data: OECD BIMTS · Coverage: 19952024 · Updated: 2026-07-17

Global trade

$824.5M

-0.5% YoY

3Y / 5Y CAGR

-3.9%

5Y: -2.1%

Supply structure

Moderately concentrated

HHI 0.208

Volatility

Low

Score 11/100

1.

Market movement

In 2024, carbides: whether or not chemically defined, other than of calcium or silicon trade exhibited slight decline, with global flows reaching $824,529,871 and a three-year compound annual growth rate of -3.9% (five-year: -2.1%). The all-time peak of $1,288,917,795 was recorded in 2018; the current level is 36% below that high-water mark.

Over the 30-year observation window (19952024), 55% of years recorded positive growth, indicating a mildly upward trajectory with periodic contractions. Trend momentum is steady (-2.1% acceleration).

The World Trade Flows Characterization classifies carbides: whether or not chemically defined, other than of calcium or silicon as "One-way trade" in the medium price range price segment, providing additional context for market positioning and competitive dynamics.

2.

Supply & demand structure

The supply side is moderately concentrated (Herfindahl-Hirschman Index 0.208). The three largest exporters — China ($273.5M), Austria ($235.5M), and Germany ($61.8M) — collectively dominate supply flows. The leading exporter has grown at +0.7% over the last three years.

On the demand side, importer concentration is diversified (HHI 0.101). The three largest import markets are United States ($144.1M), Germany ($127.1M), and Japan ($107.2M). The largest importing market sources from 31 different supplying countries.

Estimated substitution elasticity: -24.78. Buyers are highly price-sensitive and can switch between suppliers relatively easily.

The dominant trade corridor is Austria → Sweden at $80.0M, representing 86.8% of the importer's total demand.

3.

Risk profile & trade outlook

The volatility score for carbides: whether or not chemically defined, other than of calcium or silicon is 11 out of 100, classified as low. Trade flows are relatively stable compared to other HS6 products, suggesting mature supply chains and predictable demand.

For market entrants, contracting demand signals caution before committing resources. A moderately concentrated market rewards differentiated positioning and strategic partner selection.

Data confidence is rated "High" based on reporting coverage and consistency across OECD member and partner countries.

Historical evidence

Annual trade value 19952024

Peak: $1,288,917,795 in 2018. Currently 36% below peak.

YearGlobal trade (USD)YoY growth
2015$717,722,727-27.7%
2016$622,048,363-13.3%
2017$852,754,326+37.1%
2018$1,288,917,795+51.1%
2019$915,774,895-29.0%
2020$587,902,896-35.8%
2021$929,765,441+58.1%
2022$1,030,062,892+10.8%
2023$828,885,746-19.5%
2024$824,529,871-0.5%

Top exporting countries

Ranked by export value of carbides: whether or not chemically defined, other than of calcium or silicon in 2024.

View all 82 exporters →

Top importing markets

Largest import destinations for carbides: whether or not chemically defined, other than of calcium or silicon.

View all 158 markets →

Leading trade corridors

Largest bilateral export flows for carbides: whether or not chemically defined, other than of calcium or silicon, ranked by value. Click any country to view its full profile.

#ExporterImporterValue 20243Y CAGR
1AustriaSweden$80.0M-7.1%
2ChinaJapan$64.5M-10.0%
3ChinaSouth Korea$61.2M+0.3%
4ChinaUnited States$50.9M+12.8%
5AustriaGermany$49.5M-7.9%
6ChinaGermany$41.7M+7.7%
7South AfricaUnited States$33.6M-11.3%
8LuxembourgAustria$27.5M+3.7%

Showing top 8 of 10 corridors with available data for 2024.

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Sources, definitions & methodology

Data source

OECD Bilateral International Merchandise Trade Statistics (BIMTS). Aggregated from 312M+ reported trade records across 200+ countries and 5,300+ HS6 product codes. Coverage: 19952024.

Key indicators

HHI (Herfindahl-Hirschman Index): market concentration, 0 = fully diversified, 1 = single player. CAGR: compound annual growth rate over a stated period. Volatility score: trade value variability, 0–100 scale.

How this page is made

All statistical content on this page is data-driven, composed programmatically from live OECD trade records. No generic AI-generated prose is used. Analytical paragraphs combine real data points with factual interpretation. This page was last refreshed on 2026-07-17.