HS Code:
The 'Neither crushed nor ground' category under the Harmonized System (HS) Code typically refers to spices, seeds, or other agricultural products that are traded in their whole, unprocessed form. This category includes products like whole peppercorns, cumin seeds, or coriander seeds, which are not processed beyond harvesting and basic cleaning. These products are often used in food preparation, traditional medicine, or as raw materials for further processing. Global trade in this category is driven by demand for authentic, unprocessed ingredients in culinary applications and the growing popularity of organic and natural products.
Total Trade Volume
USD 2.5 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 800 million
32% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 500 million
20% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 300 million
12% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 200 million
8% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
USD 150 million
6% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
15% (imposed by certain South Asian countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements in the EU and NAFTA regions)
Rising demand for organic whole spices
Increased exports from countries with strong organic certification systems like India and Vietnam, leading to higher prices and market expansion.
2021-2022
Shift toward sustainable sourcing
Buyers in Europe and North America are prioritizing suppliers with fair trade and sustainable farming practices, influencing trade patterns.
2020-2022
Growth in e-commerce platforms
Small and medium exporters are gaining access to global markets through online platforms, boosting trade volumes in emerging economies.
2019-2022
The European Union introduced stricter pesticide residue limits for whole spices, affecting exporters from Asia and Africa who must comply with new testing requirements.
January 2023
Potential short-term reduction in exports to the EU, with increased compliance costs for exporters.
A bilateral agreement reduced tariffs on whole spices between India and Vietnam, fostering increased trade in this category.
March 2022
Boosted trade volumes by approximately 10% between the two countries, strengthening their position in the global market.
A spike in demand for whole peppercorns in the US market, driven by culinary trends and home cooking during post-pandemic recovery.
Late 2021
Increased export revenues for major suppliers like Vietnam and Brazil, with a 15% rise in trade volume to the US.