HS Code:
The 'Other grass' category (HS Code: 121490) primarily includes forage products such as hay, lucerne (alfalfa), clover, sainfoin, and other grasses, whether or not in the form of pellets, used mainly for animal feed. This category excludes cereal straw and husks. These products are vital in the agricultural sector, supporting livestock industries worldwide by providing essential nutrition for cattle, sheep, and other ruminants. The trade of these products is influenced by factors such as climate conditions, agricultural practices, and regional demand for livestock feed.
Total Trade Volume
USD 1.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 350 million
29.2% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 200 million
16.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 150 million
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 100 million
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 80 million
6.7% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5.3%
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 organic forage products
Increased exports from countries with strong organic certification systems, like the US and Australia, as consumers and livestock producers prioritize sustainable and chemical-free feed.
2021-2022
Impact of climate change on production
Droughts and extreme weather in key producing regions have led to supply shortages, driving up prices and shifting trade flows to alternative suppliers.
2020-2022
Growth in livestock industries in Asia
Increased imports by countries like China and South Korea to meet the rising demand for high-quality animal feed, boosting trade volumes for major exporters.
2019-2022
A new bilateral agreement has reduced tariffs on forage products, including other grasses, to near zero, facilitating increased exports from Australia to the US market.
March 2023
Expected to boost Australian exports by 10-15% over the next two years, potentially reshaping market shares.
The European Union introduced stricter phytosanitary requirements for imported forage products to prevent the introduction of invasive species and pests.
January 2023
Non-EU exporters, particularly from developing countries, face higher compliance costs, potentially reducing their competitiveness in the EU market.
Severe drought conditions in the western United States and parts of Canada have significantly reduced hay and grass production, leading to higher prices and increased imports from Europe and Australia.
July 2022
Short-term supply constraints have driven up global prices, benefiting exporters with surplus production capacity.