HS Code:
The 'Live Animals' category, classified under HS Code 01, encompasses the global trade of various live animals including cattle, sheep, goats, swine, poultry, horses, and other species primarily used for agricultural purposes, breeding, or as pets. This category is critical for food security, agricultural economies, and biodiversity. Trade in live animals is heavily influenced by sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) regulations, animal welfare standards, and regional demand for specific breeds or species. The trade is also sensitive to disease outbreaks, environmental concerns, and ethical considerations surrounding animal transportation.
Total Trade Volume
USD 20.5 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 2.8 billion
13.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 2.3 billion
11.2% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 1.9 billion
9.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 1.7 billion
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 1.5 billion
7.3% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5.2%
Highest Rate
35% (applied by certain developing countries to protect local livestock industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as EU internal trade or USMCA)
Increased demand for high-quality breeding stock
Growing exports of genetically superior cattle and poultry to emerging markets for improving local herds, particularly in Asia and Africa.
2021-2022
Rising concerns over animal welfare
Stricter regulations on live animal transport in regions like the EU, leading to reduced long-distance shipments and higher compliance costs.
2020-2022
Impact of disease outbreaks
Temporary trade bans and reduced export volumes due to outbreaks such as African Swine Fever in major exporting countries like China.
2019-2022
The European Union introduced stricter regulations on the transport of live animals, focusing on shorter journey times and better conditions to ensure animal welfare.
April 2023
Increased costs for exporters and potential reduction in intra-EU live animal trade volumes, pushing demand for local sourcing.
Australia announced a temporary suspension of live sheep exports to the Middle East during summer months due to heat stress concerns, following public and activist pressure.
June 2023
Significant reduction in trade volume to key markets like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, with potential long-term shifts to processed meat exports.
A major outbreak of avian influenza affected poultry farms in the United States and Canada, leading to export restrictions on live poultry and related products.
February 2023
Temporary decline in North American poultry exports, creating opportunities for competitors like Brazil and the EU to fill market gaps.