HS Code:
Aspidistra, commonly known as cast-iron plants, falls under the broader category of live plants and ornamental foliage, typically classified under HS Code 0602 (Other live plants, cuttings, and slips; mushroom spawn). This category includes a variety of indoor and outdoor plants valued for their aesthetic appeal and resilience. Aspidistra species are particularly noted for their hardiness, making them popular in landscaping and indoor decoration across temperate and tropical regions. Global trade in this category is driven by demand for ornamental plants in residential, commercial, and public spaces, with significant contributions from both developed and developing economies.
Total Trade Volume
USD 2.5 billion (for HS Code 0602 category)
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database, International Trade Centre (ITC)
USD 1.2 billion
48% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 300 million
12% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 200 million
8% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 150 million
6% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 100 million
4% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
6.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing countries to protect local nurseries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as EU Single Market or USMCA)
Rising demand for low-maintenance indoor plants
Increased exports of Aspidistra and similar hardy plants, especially to urban markets in North America and Europe
2021-2022
Growth in e-commerce platforms for plant sales
Smaller exporters and nurseries gaining access to global markets, boosting trade volumes
2020-2022
Sustainability focus in ornamental plant trade
Preference for eco-friendly cultivation practices and certified organic plants influencing buyer behavior
2022
The European Union introduced stricter phytosanitary requirements for imported live plants, including Aspidistra, to curb the spread of invasive species and pests.
March 2023
Potential delays and increased compliance costs for exporters to the EU, particularly affecting smaller producers.
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) has facilitated tariff-free trade of ornamental plants, including Aspidistra, among member countries.
July 2022
Increased trade volume between the US, Canada, and Mexico, with Costa Rican exporters also benefiting indirectly.
The Netherlands, a global leader in ornamental plant exports, invested in advanced greenhouse technologies to boost production of hardy plants like Aspidistra.
January 2023
Strengthened Dutch dominance in the global market, potentially increasing competitive pressure on other exporters.