HS Code:
The Fennel, Marjoram, Parsley, Savory, and Tarragon category (HS Code: 091099) includes a variety of aromatic herbs used for culinary and medicinal purposes. These herbs are cultivated globally and are traded both in fresh and dried forms. They play a significant role in the food and beverage industry, as well as in traditional medicine. The trade of these herbs is influenced by climatic conditions, agricultural practices, and consumer demand for natural and organic products. Key producing regions include Mediterranean countries, parts of Asia, and North America, with demand driven by culinary diversity and health-conscious trends.
Total Trade Volume
USD 250 million
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
Average Rate
5.2%
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain South Asian countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU Common Market)
Rising demand for organic herbs
Increased trade volume for certified organic fennel and parsley, especially in Europe and North America, with a premium on prices
2021-2022
Growth in plant-based diets
Higher consumption of herbs like tarragon and marjoram as flavor enhancers in vegan and vegetarian dishes
2020-2022
Supply chain disruptions due to climate change
Erratic weather patterns in key producing regions like the Mediterranean have led to price volatility and supply shortages
2022
The European Union introduced stricter pesticide residue limits for imported herbs, impacting exporters from developing countries.
March 2023
Potential increase in compliance costs for exporters, but improved consumer safety and market trust in EU markets.
Egypt launched a government-backed initiative to expand fennel and parsley cultivation areas, aiming to boost exports by 20% over the next five years.
January 2023
Likely to strengthen Egypt's position as a leading exporter, potentially lowering global prices due to increased supply.
A new trade agreement reduced tariffs on certain agricultural products, including herbs like tarragon, facilitating smoother trade between the two nations.
October 2022
Increased market access for US exporters to China, potentially shifting trade dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region.