Identifiers
Functions
Hazards
Polyhydroxyalkanoates is classified under HS Code 3913.90. This falls under Chapter 39: Plastics and articles thereof, specifically Heading 3913 (Natural polymers (e.g. alginic acid) and modified natural polymers (e.g. hardened proteins, chemical derivatives of natural rubber), n.e.c. or included, in primary forms), under subheading: Polymers, natural and modified natural; in primary forms (excluding alginic acid, its salts and esters).
* The data below is specific to the HS code, not the ingredient.
Suppliers
396
Across 40 countries
Shipments
5,092
from 2015 to 2026
Total weight
113.2M kg
10,679 TEU · standard 20-foot container units
Last shipment
6 months ago
Last updated at Feb 25, 2026
Growth
↑ 45%
Trade under 3913.90 has increased by 45% over the past 6 months
Trade activity under HS 3913.90 indicates a large, active supply chain with 396 suppliers, 5,092 shipments, and roughly 113 million kg moved since 2015. Belgium dominates by volume (58 million kg) and shipment count (2,461), followed by Italy and China. Recent growth scores are moderate, suggesting steady but not explosive expansion. For formulation planning, this signals established sourcing options exist, but the data reflects broad natural-polymer trade, not PHA-specific volumes. Business implication: you can likely secure supply, but must verify each supplier's actual PHA production before committing.
HS 3913.90 covers natural and modified natural polymers in primary forms, excluding alginic acid and its derivatives. This scope is broad, encompassing substances like gum arabic, cellulose ethers, and starch derivatives alongside polyhydroxyalkanoates. The classification cannot distinguish PHA from other biopolymers, so trade activity under this code is not proof of PHA-specific shipments. For research and procurement, treat this code as a screening tool only; confirm chemical identity through supplier documentation, certificates of analysis, or direct inquiry. The absence of an HTS code further limits U.S.-specific tariff interpretation.
| Supplier | Shipments | Top customer | Growth | Last shipment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No suppliers found. | |||||
The supplier landscape appears concentrated at the top but diversified overall. Jungbunzlauer accounts for 2,294 of 5,092 shipments (45%), and the top five suppliers represent roughly 66% of shipments. However, 396 total suppliers across 40 countries indicate a long tail of smaller players. This structure suggests both reliable anchor suppliers and emerging alternatives. For risk management, the concentration in Belgium creates a potential single-region dependency, though China's 95 suppliers offer diversification. Formulators should qualify multiple sources, especially given that the top supplier's PHA relevance is unconfirmed.
Key supply risks include classification ambiguity, supplier identity, and regional concentration. The HS code covers many non-PHA polymers, so volumes attributed to PHA may be overstated. Several listed suppliers are logistics providers or chemical traders, not manufacturers, complicating direct sourcing. Belgium's dominance creates geographic concentration risk, though China offers breadth. Additionally, some suppliers show zero recent growth (e.g., Cosun Biobased Products), indicating potential supply instability. Further diligence should verify each candidate's PHA production capability, request ingredient-specific documentation, and assess alternative sources outside the dominant Belgian lane to mitigate disruption risk.
Belgium, Italy, and China are the most relevant sourcing geographies. Belgium leads with 31 suppliers and 2,461 shipments, largely driven by Jungbunzlauer, though that company primarily produces starch derivatives. Italy's Novamont, a known PHA producer, shows 655 shipments to North America. China has the most suppliers (95) with 512 shipments, including Neimenggu Fufeng Biotechnologies. France and India also appear significant. For sourcing strategy, prioritize Italian and Chinese producers for PHA verification, while treating Belgian and French volumes as potentially broader biopolymer trade. Transatlantic lanes to North America are evident from top customer names.
By shipment count
Belgium
2,461 shipments
31 suppliers
58.4M kg total weight
Italy
706 shipments
15 suppliers
22.9M kg total weight
China
512 shipments
95 suppliers
13.1M kg total weight
France
407 shipments
34 suppliers
3.5M kg total weight
India
176 shipments
21 suppliers
3.3M kg total weight
Germany
133 shipments
23 suppliers
1M kg total weight
Spain
125 shipments
18 suppliers
1.2M kg total weight
Netherlands
83 shipments
20 suppliers
787.9K kg total weight
Japan
78 shipments
12 suppliers
802.1K kg total weight
Australia
59 shipments
3 suppliers
1.2M kg total weight