2021 Global Trade Data

A comprehensive view of the world’s import and export merchandise based on global trade data reports. 

The global impact and production of metal manufacturing commodities including automotive, medical, pump, toy, and sporting goods industries.

If you’re in the manufacturing industry, you’re fully aware of the many supply chain uncertainties over the last 18 months. 

We know that the pandemic is not over yet—we’re still feeling its impact—with product shortages and price increases. But we’re all working together toward a new normal.

As a professional, you understand the need to stay abreast of the state of the manufacturing industry—import/export trends by country, new manufacturing methods, and opportunities to utilize new materials.

“Wherever there is change, and wherever there is uncertainty, there is opportunity!”— Mark Cuban.

Below is an analysis of trade statistics from the U.S. Customs database* records of Inbound Ocean Cargo from 2021 and 2020 compiled and analyzed by our team at The Federal Group USA (TFG USA).

You may notice some unexpected and intriguing trends that may be of value to your business.

A picture is worth 1000 words. please check out the charts we’ve provided in an easy-to-understand graphical representation of these trends.

How Are Import/Export Trends Changing for 2021?

Let’s compare the first half of 2021 to the same period a year ago. Please take a look at the graphs below as we analyze the data in several ways:

Import and Export Trends By Country Of Origin

Figure 1 indicates that imports are on the rise from all countries for 2021H1 vs. 2020H1. China, the leader in this category, saw a 34% increase in the total number of shipments. At the same time, the prize for the most significant increase goes to India with 85%.

Import and Export Trends By Material

Figure 2 shows that imports are increasing for all materials displayed. The most significant material, steel, showed a 37% increase. Aluminum had a 56% increase in the total number of shipments, the highest percentage overall.

Import and Export Trends By Manufacturing Method

Shipments increased for all materials tracked in Figure 3 for the first half of 2021 as compared to the same period year ago.

Castings, the leader in this category, increased 37%, with Stampings at 29%, and Forgings at 62%. TFG USA is your trusted source for products made with these manufacturing methods. Contact Us to learn more.

Import and Export Trends By Product Description

Figure 4 indicates an increase in all categories shown here — except for masks. Automotive, the overall leader, delivered a whopping 52% increase in 2021H1 as compared to 2020H1. The most significant increase belongs to sporting (cloth, equipment) with 63%. At least for now, we see a substantial decline in the demand for masks with -73% (stay tuned as the pandemic saga continues).

What Are The New Directions In Manufacturing?

The pandemic has been an unfortunate reality for many of America’s factories. The good news? The demand for goods and services supported by global trade are on the rise. People are driving more, playing more, and improving their homes. 

Innovation is the key to success in manufacturing. Smart manufacturers are exploring opportunities for using castings, stampings, and forgings that will save them money over time while beating their competition to market also! 

Contact The Federal Group USA today to learn how to level up your innovation.

Which Materials Are Gaining Favor in International Trade?

Steel, Aluminum, Copper/Brass, and Magnesium are all on the increase, per Figure 1. These materials are essential to supporting machinery, including computers, industrial machinery & equipment, and vehicles.

Steel—the dominant material on the list—had a 37% increase in the total number of shipments. Aluminum, Copper/Brass, and Magnesium also had increases of 56%, 16%, & 20%, respectively.

How does the World Trade Organization See The Future?

“World merchandise trade volume is expected to increase by 8.0% in 2021 after falling 5.3% in 2020, a smaller decline than previously estimated.”

So, what does this mean to you? Global trade is increasing, but it’s wise to keep a close watch on the trends. Stay in touch with TFG USA to understand the market as it changes.

What’s Driving The 2021 Trade Statistics?

Significant players in global trade—automotive, pump, and medical—showed increases of 52%, 35%, & 41%, respectively (ref. Figure 4). As many individuals curtailed travel and instituted work from home and homeschooling, the demand for toys and sporting goods increased accordingly at 14% & 63%, respectively.

The only item we tracked that showed a decrease in international trade volume was Masks, with a 73% drop from 2020H1 to 2021H1. However, the second surge of the pandemic could change this picture rapidly.

The Pandemic

The pandemic has been felt for almost two years, and all industries are still feeling its effects.  The manufacturing workforce  is tenacious, adaptable, and resilient. While the epidemic’s consequences may linger for years to come, global trade appears to be recovering, albeit at a slower rate of development.

More Driving

The number of government stay-at-home orders is falling. Many individuals are returning to the workplace. A desire to travel has been pent up—to visit friends and relatives we haven’t seen since the pandemic started. Imports in the automobile sector have dramatically increased as a result of this development.

Automotive imports are on the rise. “The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) predicts that new light-vehicle sales will hit 16.3 million units for the year according to first-quarter sales in 2021, estimating an increase of 12.7% compared to 2020.” 

Medical Supplies Market 

Market analysts have been tracking the medical supplies industry and anticipate it to expand by $132 billion by 2022, a remarkable CAGR (compound annual growth rate) over the next decade.

The newest medical technologies, growing medical industry development, demand for minimally invasive procedures, and increasing investments are all fueling the worldwide medical supplies market.

Mask demand: down or up?

The sale of masks took off during the pandemic, with hospitals, distributors, government agencies, and members of the general public in desperate need of personal protection equipment (PPE). 

Going Down? “By 2020 and 2021, consumer and non-healthcare workplace demand will account for around 60-70% of the overall market, owing to fast adoption and continuous usage of surgical masks. This pandemic-induced peak in demand is anticipated to decline considerably by 2022 as surgical mask usage rates decline among the general public and non-healthcare work settings. 

Going Up? “Under the new recommendations, the federal government is urging vaccinated Americans to use face masks indoors in certain situations. According to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who live where coronavirus transmission is categorized as significant or high should wear masks when they’re indoors in public areas.” 

Keeping Children Engaged and Entertained

The scarcity of entertainment options available at home was a driving force behind toy imports. Many movie theaters are still closed, and parents are hesitant to expose their children to pandemic possibilities, so parents continue to search for ways to keep their kids amused at home. Toy demand increased modestly as a result of this.

Forging, Casting, and Stamping Goods Imports Up Overall

The pandemic had a broad impact on imports of goods made by casting, forging, and stamping. But, the current trade statistics (see Figure 3) show a significant rebound over a year ago.

“Metal prices continued to climb in early 2021, driven by strong demand in China, the ongoing global economic recovery, and supply disruptions. Metal prices are projected to average 30% higher in 2021 than last year before easing in 2022.” 

“Strengthening global demand. Global metals demand has picked up since the second half of 2020, particularly in China, the world’s largest metal consumer. Chinese metals demand has been boosted by investment in infrastructure and construction, augmented by strong global uptake in autos, appliances, and machinery. The global manufacturing PMI (Purchasing Managers’ Index) rose to 55.8 in April, the highest level in 11 years.” 

Trade War and Tariffs

China tariffs were designed to cut down on China imports, but imports will continue to increase. Tariffs are only so effective on imports. It is still cheaper to import them from another country than manufacture them in the United States for most goods.

Between 2018 and 2020, U.S. tariffs on China increased by more than a factor of six, yet the two economies remained linked.

India experienced an impressive 85% increase in exports, with 208k shipments for the first half of 2021. It’s quickly closing in on the number two position held by Germany with 231k shipments and a more modest 32% increase. 

The Federal Group has sourcing, purchasing, and quality staff in India that prove extremely valuable. You can reap financial and time-saving benefits from their expertise.

Take Advantage of Imports

Outsourcing manufacturing to other countries will be a vital strategy for businesses looking to stay ahead of the competition. Free trade and imports will enable firms to benefit from lower manufacturing costs while still maintaining high standards. As a result, organizations must collaborate with competent supply chain experts with years of expertise and a track record of delivering proven results.

Contact The Federal Group USA today to learn more about how importing goods into your company might be helpful. Our staff will develop a manufacturing approach that works for you.

We’d also like to keep publishing articles that are important to you. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have specific themes that you want us to explore. On request, we can also create custom reports about individual commodities, countries, shippers, and purchasers for you or your business.

*(Note: TFG USA is not responsible for the accuracy of the data from the U.S. Customs database).

This article was written for our friends at Worldwide Fastener Sources.