HS Code:
The category under HS Code subheadings 1806.20.83 and 1806.20.89 pertains to chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa, in blocks, slabs, or bars weighing more than 2 kg or in liquid, paste, powder, granular, or other bulk form in containers or immediate packings of a content exceeding 2 kg, specifically other than those described in subheading 1806.20.81 or 1806.20.87. This includes bulk chocolate preparations often used for industrial purposes or further processing in confectionery manufacturing. These products are significant in the global confectionery and food processing industries, often serving as raw materials for smaller retail chocolate products or bakery goods.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $2.5 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and International Trade Centre (ITC)
$650 million USD
26% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$500 million USD
20% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$400 million USD
16% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$300 million USD
12% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$250 million USD
10% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
6.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
15% (applied by certain developing countries to protect local industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU internal trade or USMCA)
Rising demand for sustainable and ethically sourced cocoa
Increased costs for producers but higher market access in premium segments, especially in Europe and North America
2021-2023
Growth in industrial chocolate use in emerging markets
Expansion of confectionery industries in Asia-Pacific and Latin America drives bulk chocolate imports
2020-2022
Fluctuating cocoa prices due to climate change
Instability in supply chains affects trade volumes and pricing for bulk chocolate products
2019-2023
New EU regulations requiring proof of deforestation-free supply chains for cocoa products are set to impact exporters to the European market, mandating stricter traceability and certification.
December 2022
Potential increase in compliance costs for exporters, especially from West Africa and Latin America, but may favor sustainably certified producers.
The United States reviewed tariffs on certain cocoa preparations under trade agreements, maintaining duty-free access for some countries while imposing higher rates on non-partner nations.
March 2023
Favors imports from trade agreement partners like Canada and Mexico, potentially shifting trade flows.
Adverse weather conditions in major cocoa-producing regions like Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana led to reduced harvests, causing a spike in global cocoa prices.
September 2023
Increased costs for bulk chocolate importers, potentially reducing trade volumes in price-sensitive markets.