HS Code:
The 'Powder or Flour' category, typically classified under HS Code 1101 to 1106 (depending on the specific type such as wheat, maize, or other cereal flours), encompasses milled products derived from grains and other agricultural commodities. These products are fundamental in the food industry, serving as primary ingredients for baking, cooking, and processed food manufacturing. This category includes wheat flour, maize flour, rice flour, and other specialized flours used globally in various culinary traditions. Trade in this category is influenced by agricultural production capacities, regional dietary preferences, and food security policies.
Total Trade Volume
USD 15.3 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
Average Rate
8.5%
Highest Rate
35% (applied by some developing countries to protect local milling industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU internal trade or USMCA)
Rising demand for gluten-free and organic flours
Increased exports of specialized flours like rice and almond flour, particularly to developed markets with health-conscious consumers
2021-2022
Growth in processed food industry
Higher demand for wheat and maize flour in emerging economies due to urbanization and changing dietary habits
2020-2022
Climate change impacting grain production
Fluctuations in supply from major exporters due to erratic weather patterns, leading to price volatility
2019-2022
The European Union introduced stricter regulations on pesticide residues in imported flours to ensure consumer safety and environmental sustainability.
March 2023
Non-compliant exporters may face reduced market access, pushing suppliers to adopt cleaner production methods.
Turkey, the world's leading flour exporter, rolled out subsidies for exporters to maintain competitiveness amid global supply chain disruptions.
January 2023
Strengthened Turkey's position in Middle Eastern and African markets, potentially increasing its global trade share.
Ongoing trade disputes have led to retaliatory tariffs on US flour exports to China, redirecting trade flows to other Asian markets.
October 2022
US exporters are seeking alternative markets, while Chinese importers face higher costs or shift to other suppliers.