HS Code:
Locust beans, also known as carob, fall under HS Code 121292. This category includes the seeds and pods of the locust bean tree, primarily used in food processing as a thickening agent (locust bean gum) and as a natural sweetener. Locust bean gum is a key ingredient in products like ice cream, sauces, and baked goods due to its stabilizing and emulsifying properties. The trade of locust beans is influenced by agricultural production in Mediterranean and North African regions, where the tree is predominantly grown, as well as demand from the global food and beverage industry.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $150 million USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and International Trade Centre (ITC)
$40 million USD
26.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$35 million USD
23.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$25 million USD
16.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$20 million USD
13.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$15 million USD
10.0% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain South Asian countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under EU free trade agreements and WTO bindings for developing nations)
Rising demand for natural food additives
Increased global demand for locust bean gum as a natural alternative to synthetic thickeners, boosting export volumes from producing countries.
2021-2023
Climate change impacting production
Erratic weather patterns in Mediterranean regions have led to fluctuating yields, causing price volatility in the locust bean market.
2020-2022
Growth in vegan and plant-based food markets
Locust bean gum is increasingly used in plant-based dairy alternatives, driving demand in North American and European markets.
2019-2023
The European Union updated its trade agreement with Morocco, reducing tariffs on agricultural products including locust beans to 0% for a specified quota, facilitating increased exports to EU countries.
January 2023
Expected to boost Morocco's export volume by 15% in 2023-2024, strengthening its position in the global market.
The United States introduced stricter phytosanitary requirements for imported locust bean products to prevent pest introduction, requiring additional certifications.
September 2022
May increase costs for exporters and slightly reduce trade volume to the US in the short term.
A Spanish company developed a more efficient extraction process for locust bean gum, reducing production costs and improving yield.
March 2023
Likely to lower prices for locust bean gum, making it more competitive against other thickeners like guar gum.