HS Code:
Hop cones, fresh or dried, whether or not ground, powdered or in the form of pellets; lupulin (HS Code: 1210) are primarily used in the brewing industry for beer production, providing bitterness, flavor, and aroma. Lupulin, the glandular powder from hop cones, contains essential oils and resins critical for brewing. This category is a niche but vital agricultural commodity in global trade, with production concentrated in specific regions due to climate and soil requirements. The trade of hops is influenced by the demand for craft and commercial beer, agricultural conditions, and trade policies.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $1.2 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and International Trade Centre (ITC)
$450 million USD
37.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$350 million USD
29.2% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$120 million USD
10.0% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$80 million USD
6.7% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$50 million USD
4.2% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
15% (applied by certain developing countries to protect domestic agriculture)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as EU internal trade or USMCA)
Rising demand for craft beer
Increased demand for specialty hop varieties, boosting trade volumes particularly from the US and Germany
2020-2022
Climate change impacting production
Erratic weather patterns in key growing regions like Europe have led to supply volatility and price fluctuations
2021-2023
Shift toward sustainable farming practices
Growing preference for organically grown hops, influencing trade patterns and increasing costs for certification
2019-2022
A new trade deal reduced tariffs on hop products between the EU and US, facilitating smoother trade flows and reducing costs for brewers.
June 2023
Expected to increase export volumes from the US to Europe by 10-15% over the next two years.
Severe drought conditions in Germany and the Czech Republic led to a 20% reduction in hop cone production, tightening global supply.
August 2022
Prices surged by 25%, affecting brewers worldwide and prompting sourcing from alternative regions like Australia.
Growing consumer interest in craft beer in countries like China and Japan has spurred demand for imported hops.
March 2023
Increased export opportunities for major producers like the US and Germany, with trade to Asia rising by 8% year-on-year.