HS Code:
Romaine lettuce, also known as cos lettuce, falls under the Harmonized System (HS) Code 070511, which covers lettuce (Lactuca sativa) of the heading type, fresh or chilled. It is a popular leafy green vegetable widely used in salads, sandwiches, and as a garnish. Romaine lettuce is cultivated globally, with significant production in temperate and subtropical regions. Its trade is driven by demand for fresh produce in regions with limited growing seasons or high population density, as well as by year-round consumer demand for healthy food options. The global trade of Romaine lettuce is influenced by factors such as seasonality, climate conditions, transportation costs, and food safety regulations.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately 1.2 million metric tons
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and FAO Statistics
450,000 metric tons (export)
37.5% of global trade of total trade
Increasing
200,000 metric tons (export)
16.7% of global trade of total trade
Stable
150,000 metric tons (export)
12.5% of global trade of total trade
Increasing
100,000 metric tons (import)
8.3% of global trade of total trade
Stable
80,000 metric tons (import)
6.7% of global trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing countries to protect local agriculture)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like USMCA and EU Single Market)
Rising demand for organic Romaine lettuce
Increased exports from countries with strong organic certification systems, such as the US and EU nations, leading to higher price premiums
2021-2022
Growth in hydroponic and greenhouse production
Allows year-round supply and reduces dependency on seasonal harvests, benefiting exporters like the Netherlands and Canada
2020-2022
Increased focus on food safety
Stricter regulations and recalls due to contamination (e.g., E. coli outbreaks) have led to higher compliance costs for exporters
2019-2022
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) has facilitated tariff-free trade of Romaine lettuce among member countries, boosting exports from Mexico to the US and Canada.
July 1, 2020
Strengthened North American supply chains, with Mexico increasing its market share in the US by 10% since the agreement's implementation.
A major E. coli outbreak linked to Romaine lettuce in the US led to enhanced FDA regulations on water quality and testing for leafy greens.
November 2021
Temporary decline in US exports due to consumer hesitancy, alongside increased production costs for compliance with new safety standards.
The European Union's Green Deal aims to reduce pesticide use by 50% by 2030, affecting Romaine lettuce production and trade in member states.
Ongoing (2020-2030)
Potential increase in production costs for EU exporters like Spain, but also an opportunity to market 'greener' produce to eco-conscious consumers.