HS Code:
The 'Fresh or chilled' category under the Harmonized System (HS) Code typically includes perishable goods such as fresh or chilled meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, and dairy products. These products require specific storage and transportation conditions to maintain quality and safety. This category is critical in global trade due to its direct impact on food security, consumer health, and agricultural economies worldwide. Trade in this category is influenced by seasonality, regional production capacities, and stringent sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) regulations.
Total Trade Volume
USD 250 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 45 billion
18% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 30 billion
12% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 25 billion
10% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 20 billion
8% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 18 billion
7% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
8.5%
Highest Rate
35% (applied by certain developing countries to protect local agriculture)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU Single Market or USMCA)
Rising demand for organic and sustainably sourced fresh products
Increased trade in certified organic fruits and vegetables, with higher price premiums and stricter import regulations
2021-2022
Growth in cold chain logistics
Enhanced ability to transport fresh goods over long distances, expanding market access for exporters in tropical regions
2020-2022
Impact of climate change on production
Shifts in growing seasons and yields are affecting supply stability, leading to price volatility in global markets
2019-2022
The European Union introduced stricter sanitary and phytosanitary regulations for fresh imports to combat pest and disease risks.
March 2023
Exporters to the EU face higher compliance costs, potentially reducing trade volumes from non-compliant countries.
Under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, tariffs on fresh produce between member countries were further reduced or eliminated.
January 2023
Boosted trade volumes, especially for Mexican fresh produce exports to the US and Canada.
Severe weather events in key producing regions like California and Spain led to reduced yields of fresh fruits and vegetables.
July 2022
Increased global prices and shifted trade flows to alternative suppliers in South America and Africa.