HS Code:
The category 'Seeds of anise, badian, fennel, coriander, cumin or caraway; juniper berries' falls under HS Code 0909. This category includes a variety of aromatic seeds and berries widely used as spices and flavoring agents in culinary applications, traditional medicine, and beverage production (e.g., gin with juniper berries). These seeds are primarily cultivated in temperate and subtropical regions and are traded globally due to their high demand in food processing and pharmaceutical industries. The trade of these products is influenced by agricultural output, climatic conditions, and regional culinary preferences.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $1.2 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
$450 million USD
37.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$200 million USD
16.7% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$150 million USD
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$100 million USD
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$80 million USD
6.7% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
15% (imposed by certain South Asian countries to protect domestic agriculture)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-India FTA for specific quotas)
Rising demand for organic spices
Increased export opportunities for certified organic producers, especially in India and Turkey, as consumers in North America and Europe prioritize sustainable and chemical-free products.
2021-2023
Growth in plant-based and ethnic cuisine popularity
Higher demand for coriander, cumin, and fennel seeds in Western markets due to the growing popularity of Middle Eastern, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisines.
2020-2022
Climate change affecting yields
Erratic weather patterns in key producing regions like India and Egypt have led to supply volatility, impacting prices and trade volumes.
2019-2023
The European Union introduced stricter Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for imported spices, including seeds under HS 0909, to ensure food safety.
June 2023
Exporters from India and Egypt may face higher compliance costs, potentially reducing competitiveness in the EU market unless they adapt to organic or low-pesticide farming.
The Indian government launched initiatives to support small-scale farmers in obtaining organic certification for spice seeds, aiming to boost exports to premium markets.
March 2023
This is expected to increase Indiaโs share in the organic spice market, particularly for cumin and coriander seeds, strengthening its position as the top exporter.
Turkey and Egypt signed a bilateral trade agreement to reduce tariffs on agricultural products, including spice seeds, to enhance mutual trade.
January 2023
This agreement is likely to increase trade volumes between the two countries, potentially affecting supply dynamics in the Middle East and Europe.