HS Code:
Collards, a leafy green vegetable closely related to kale and cabbage, fall under the broader category of edible vegetables in the Harmonized System (HS) Code 0704, which includes cabbages, cauliflowers, kohlrabi, kale, and similar edible brassicas, fresh or chilled. Collards are primarily cultivated for their nutritious leaves and are a staple in various cuisines, particularly in the Southern United States, Brazil, and parts of Africa. Global trade in collards is relatively niche compared to other vegetables but is significant in regions with cultural dietary preferences for this crop. The trade often involves fresh or chilled collards, with minimal processing to maintain quality during transport.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $50 million USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and ITC Trade Map
$20 million USD
40% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$10 million USD
20% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$5 million USD
10% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$3 million USD
6% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$2 million USD
4% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
15% (applied by certain developing countries to protect local agriculture)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like USMCA and EU trade deals)
Rising demand for organic collards
Increased exports from countries with strong organic certification systems like the US and EU, driving premium pricing
2021-2022
Growing popularity of plant-based diets
Boosted demand for nutrient-rich greens like collards in North America and Europe, leading to higher trade volumes
2020-2022
Climate change affecting production
Erratic weather patterns in key producing regions have led to supply shortages, increasing prices and shifting trade patterns
2019-2022
A new bilateral agreement reduced tariffs on leafy greens, including collards, facilitating increased exports from Brazil to the US market.
March 2023
Expected to increase Brazil's market share by 5-10% over the next two years.
The European Union tightened phytosanitary controls on imported brassicas, including collards, to prevent the spread of agricultural pests.
January 2023
Increased compliance costs for exporters, potentially reducing trade volumes from non-EU countries.
Severe drought conditions in South Africa reduced collard production, leading to a temporary decline in exports.
October 2022
Created opportunities for other exporters like the US and Brazil to fill the supply gap in African and European markets.