HS Code:
Guar seeds (HS Code: 130232) are primarily used for the extraction of guar gum, a natural thickening agent widely utilized in industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and oil drilling. The seeds are derived from the guar plant, a drought-resistant legume predominantly grown in arid and semi-arid regions. Guar gum's unique properties, including high viscosity and solubility, make it a critical ingredient in hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for oil and gas extraction, as well as in food products like ice cream and baked goods as a stabilizer.
Total Trade Volume
USD 1.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database & International Trade Centre (ITC)
USD 900 million
75% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 150 million
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 50 million
4.2% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 30 million
2.5% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 20 million
1.7% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5.2%
Highest Rate
15% (applied by certain Middle Eastern countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like USMCA and EU-India negotiations)
Rising demand in oil and gas sector
Increased guar seed exports due to high demand for guar gum in hydraulic fracturing, particularly in North America
2021-2022
Shift towards organic guar products
Growing consumer preference for natural and organic food additives has boosted demand for organically certified guar seeds
2020-2022
Climate impact on production
Erratic monsoons in India have led to supply fluctuations, affecting global prices and trade volumes
2019-2022
The Indian government eased export restrictions on guar seeds and gum to boost farmer income and meet global demand.
March 2023
Expected to increase India's export volume by 10-15% in 2023, stabilizing global supply chains.
The United States temporarily reduced tariffs on guar seed imports from India to support its oil drilling industry amidst supply shortages.
September 2022
Strengthened trade ties between India and the US, with a projected 20% rise in US imports of guar products.
Pakistan introduced drought-resistant guar seed varieties to enhance yield and reduce dependency on Indian imports.
January 2023
Likely to increase Pakistan's share in global trade by 5% over the next 2-3 years.