HS 3921: Plastic plates/sheets - US Import Analysis

Comprehensive analysis of Plastic plates/sheets (HS code 3921) imports to the United States, including trade volumes, tariff rates, and sourcing breakdown by country.

Hedge tariff risk: Trade tariff prediction markets on Ballast Markets to lock in costs and protect margins against tariff changes affecting Plastic plates/sheets imports.

Import Overview (2023)

| Metric | Value | |--------|-------| | HS Code | 3921 | | Commodity | Plastic plates/sheets | | Category | plastics | | Total US Imports | $1.48 billion (2023) | | Number of Source Countries | 1 | | Tariff Range | 0% (USMCA) to 50%+ (China) |

Top Exporting Countries

The United States imported Plastic plates/sheets from 1 countries in 2023, with the top 10 accounting for the majority of trade volume:

1. CHINA

• Import Value: $1.48 billion (100.0% of total)
• Country Code: CN
• Tariff Rate: View CN-US tariff details

CHINA is a major supplier of Plastic plates/sheets to the US market, with established trade relationships and logistics infrastructure.

Country Comparison Table

| Rank | Country | Import Value (2023) | Market Share | Typical Tariff | |------|---------|-------------------|--------------|----------------| | 1 | CHINA | $1.48B | 100.0% | 25-50% |

Tariff Analysis

Tariff rates for Plastic plates/sheets (HS 3921) vary significantly based on origin country and applicable trade agreements:

USMCA Countries (0%)

• Mexico and Canada benefit from 0% tariffs under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement
• Duty-free access for qualifying goods
• Certificate of Origin required

China (25-50%)

• Base MFN Rate: Varies by specific HS classification
• Section 301 Tariffs: Additional 7.5-25% for most goods
• Section 232 Tariffs: Additional 25% for steel, 10% for aluminum
• Total Effective Rate: Can exceed 50% on some Plastic plates/sheets products

Other Countries (0-15%)

• MFN Rates: Most-Favored Nation rates apply
• FTA Benefits: Some countries have preferential rates
• Check country-specific tariff pages for exact rates

View Detailed Tariffs: Plastic plates/sheets tariff rates by country

Trade Trends

Sourcing Diversification

Importers of Plastic plates/sheets are increasingly diversifying sourcing to mitigate tariff risk and supply chain disruptions:

China+1 Strategy: Shifting production to Vietnam, Thailand, India, and Mexico to avoid Section 301 tariffs

Near-shoring: Growing imports from Mexico and Canada under USMCA

Risk Hedging: Using tariff prediction markets to lock in costs regardless of sourcing

Market Dynamics

Key factors affecting Plastic plates/sheets trade:

• Tariff Policy: Section 301, 232, and potential new trade actions
• Supply Chain: Manufacturing capacity and logistics infrastructure
• Currency: Exchange rate fluctuations affecting competitiveness
• Demand: US economic growth and sector-specific trends

Logistics Considerations

Major Ports of Entry

Plastic plates/sheets typically enters the US through:

• West Coast: Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland
• East Coast: New York/New Jersey, Savannah
• Gulf Coast: Houston

Port selection impacts:

• Ocean freight costs
• Transit times
• Customs processing
• Inland distribution

Shipping Routes

Major trade lanes for Plastic plates/sheets:

• Trans-Pacific: Shanghai to Los Angeles (12 days)
• Asia-Europe-US: Via transshipment hubs
• USMCA: Mexico ports to US gateways

Risk Management Strategies

1. Tariff Hedging with Prediction Markets

Problem: Plastic plates/sheets importers face tariff uncertainty ranging from 0% to 50%+

Solution: Tariff prediction markets allow you to hedge:

Example Hedge:

• Exposure: $10M annual Plastic plates/sheets imports from China
• Current Tariff: 25-50% ($2.5M-$5M annual cost)
• Risk: Tariffs increase to 75%
• Hedge: Buy "HS 3921 China Tariff > 60%" position
  • If tariffs increase: Payout offsets higher duty costs
  • If tariffs decrease: Premium cost < savings from lower rates

2. Sourcing Diversification

Blend sourcing across multiple countries to reduce tariff concentration risk:

Example Strategy:

• 40% from USMCA countries (0% tariff)
• 30% from Asia ex-China (0-15% tariff)
• 30% from China (25-50% tariff)
• Blended Rate: ~15% vs. 35% all-China

3. Pre-Tariff Stockpiling

When tariff increases are announced with 60-90 day notice:

• Order 3-6 months inventory before effective date
• Lock in current lower rates
• Balance increased working capital vs. tariff savings

Related Resources

• HS Code 3921 Overview - Product classification details
• Tariff Hedging Strategies - Risk management guide
• Section 301 Tariffs Explained - China trade actions
• USMCA Qualification - 0% tariff requirements

Sources

• U.S. Census Bureau International Trade Data (2023)
• U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) HTS Database
• Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR)
• Ballast Markets trade analysis

Risk Disclosure

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or trade advice. Tariff rates are subject to change based on government policy. Trade statistics may have reporting delays. Verify current rates with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or qualified customs brokers. Prediction markets involve risk of loss.

Disclaimer

Ballast Markets provides this content as a free educational resource for the global trade community. Trade data is sourced from U.S. Census Bureau but may contain errors or be outdated. For compliance and sourcing decisions, always verify with official sources and industry experts.

Last updated: 2025-11-04