HS Code:
Leguminous vegetables, classified under HS Code 0708, include a variety of edible seeds such as beans, peas, chickpeas, and lentils. These products are a staple in diets worldwide due to their high nutritional value, including protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. They are cultivated across diverse climates, with significant production in both tropical and temperate regions. The global trade of leguminous vegetables is driven by demand for food security, vegetarian and vegan dietary trends, and their use in animal feed. This category plays a crucial role in agricultural economies, particularly in developing countries where they are a primary protein source.
Total Trade Volume
USD 7.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 1.8 billion
25.0% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 1.2 billion
16.7% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 800 million
11.1% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 600 million
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 500 million
6.9% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
35% (applied by certain South Asian countries to protect domestic farmers)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as NAFTA/USMCA and EU trade pacts)
Rising demand for plant-based proteins
Increased exports of lentils and chickpeas to North America and Europe as consumers shift towards vegetarian and vegan diets
2021-2022
Climate change impacting yields
Erratic weather patterns in key producing regions like South Asia have led to supply shortages, driving up prices and shifting trade to more stable producers like Canada
2020-2022
Growth in organic leguminous vegetables
Higher demand for organic products in developed markets has encouraged exporters to adopt organic farming practices, commanding premium prices
2019-2022
India, a major importer of leguminous vegetables, increased tariffs on certain pulses to support domestic farmers amidst rising food inflation.
March 2023
This has redirected trade flows, with exporters like Canada and Australia seeking alternative markets in the Middle East and Europe.
The European Union introduced stricter sustainability and pesticide use regulations under the Green Deal, affecting imports of leguminous vegetables.
January 2023
Exporters from developing countries face compliance costs, potentially reducing their competitiveness in the EU market.
Negotiations to expand trade agreements between Canada and Australia have included provisions to reduce tariffs on agricultural products, including leguminous vegetables.
July 2023
This is expected to boost trade volumes between the two countries, further solidifying their position as leading exporters.