HS Code:
Subheadings 1806.90.39, 1806.90.49, and 1806.90.59 of the Harmonized System (HS) Code cover 'Other chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa, not elsewhere specified or included.' This category includes a variety of chocolate products and cocoa-based preparations such as chocolate spreads, fillings, and other confectionery items that do not fall under more specific chocolate categories (e.g., chocolate bars or cocoa powder). These products are widely used in the food industry for retail sale and as ingredients in other food preparations.
Total Trade Volume
USD 2.5 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 450 million
18% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 380 million
15.2% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 300 million
12% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 250 million
10% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 200 million
8% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
6.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
25% (applied by certain developing countries to protect local industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-USMCA or within the EU Single Market)
Rising demand for premium and organic chocolate products
Increased exports from countries with strong organic certification systems, such as Germany and Belgium, as consumers prioritize quality and sustainability.
2021-2022
Growth in plant-based and vegan chocolate alternatives
Expansion of market share for innovative products, driving trade in non-dairy cocoa preparations, especially in North America and Europe.
2020-2022
Supply chain disruptions due to geopolitical tensions and climate change
Fluctuations in cocoa supply from West African countries have led to price volatility, affecting trade volumes and costs for importing nations.
2022
The European Union introduced new regulations under the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) requiring traceability of cocoa to prevent deforestation, impacting exporters to the EU market.
June 2023
Increased compliance costs for exporters but potential long-term benefits for sustainable producers.
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement has reduced tariffs on chocolate products, facilitating higher trade volumes among member countries.
January 2023
Strengthened market access for US and Canadian chocolate exporters to Mexico.
Adverse weather conditions and political instability in major cocoa-producing countries like Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana have led to reduced supply and higher prices.
March 2023
Increased production costs for chocolate manufacturers globally, potentially reducing trade volumes in the short term.