HS Code:
The Bird of Paradise category, often classified under HS Code 0602 (live plants, including their roots, cuttings, and slips; mushroom spawn), specifically refers to tropical plants of the Strelitzia genus, known for their striking, bird-like flowers. These plants are primarily cultivated for ornamental purposes in gardens, landscaping, and as cut flowers for floral arrangements. Native to South Africa, Bird of Paradise plants are traded globally, with significant markets in Europe, North America, and Asia for both live plants and cut flowers. Trade in this category is influenced by factors such as climate suitability for cultivation, consumer demand for exotic plants, and phytosanitary regulations.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $50 million USD
Data from 2022
Source
International Trade Centre (ITC) Trade Map, UN Comtrade Database
$15 million USD
30% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$10 million USD
20% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$8 million USD
16% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$5 million USD
10% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$4 million USD
8% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
6.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing countries to protect local horticulture industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements or for WTO members with preferential access)
Rising demand for exotic ornamental plants in urban landscaping
Increased exports from tropical countries like South Africa and Costa Rica to developed markets in Europe and North America
2021-2022
Growth in e-commerce for plant sales
Small-scale growers and exporters gaining access to international markets through online platforms, boosting trade volumes
2020-2022
Sustainability concerns influencing consumer preferences
Higher demand for organically grown or sustainably sourced Bird of Paradise plants, pressuring exporters to adopt eco-friendly practices
2022
The European Union introduced stricter phytosanitary requirements for imported live plants, including Bird of Paradise, to prevent the spread of invasive pests.
January 2023
Exporters from South Africa and Costa Rica face higher compliance costs, potentially reducing trade volumes to the EU in the short term.
Negotiations between the US and South Africa under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) have reduced tariffs on ornamental plants, including Bird of Paradise.
March 2023
South African exporters gain a competitive edge in the US market, likely increasing trade volume.
Unseasonal weather patterns in Costa Rica have affected Bird of Paradise cultivation, leading to a temporary supply shortage.
July 2023
Reduced exports from Costa Rica, creating opportunities for other suppliers like the Netherlands to fill the gap.