HS Code:
String beans, also known as snap beans or green beans, fall under the HS Code 070820. This category includes fresh or chilled beans (Phaseolus spp. or Vigna spp.) that are harvested before maturity for human consumption. They are a staple in many diets worldwide due to their nutritional value, including high fiber, vitamins, and minerals. String beans are cultivated in both temperate and tropical regions, with trade heavily influenced by seasonality, climate conditions, and labor costs. Global trade in string beans is significant as they are a key vegetable export for many developing and developed countries, often shipped fresh to meet consumer demand for year-round availability.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately 1.2 million metric tons
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and FAO Statistics
220,000 metric tons
18.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
180,000 metric tons
15.0% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
150,000 metric tons
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Stable
120,000 metric tons
10.0% of total trade of total trade
Stable
100,000 metric tons
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
35% (applied by certain countries like India for protective measures)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-Kenya EPA or USMCA)
Growing demand for organic string beans
Increased exports from countries with certified organic farming practices, driving premium pricing in markets like the EU and North America
2021-2023
Rise in off-season supply from tropical regions
Countries like Kenya and Guatemala benefit from year-round production, filling supply gaps in northern hemisphere markets during winter months
2020-2022
Adoption of cold chain logistics
Improved shelf life and quality during transportation, enabling longer-distance trade and access to new markets
2019-2023
The EU and Kenya finalized an Economic Partnership Agreement in late 2022, reducing tariffs on Kenyan string bean exports to the EU, a major market.
December 2022
Expected to boost Kenyan exports by 15-20% over the next five years, strengthening its position as a top exporter.
Temporary restrictions were placed on some Mexican vegetable imports, including string beans, due to pest concerns in early 2023.
March 2023
Caused a short-term dip in Mexican exports to the US, redirecting some supply to other markets like Canada.
Severe weather events, including hurricanes, affected string bean harvests in Guatemala and neighboring countries, leading to supply shortages.
November 2022
Increased global prices by approximately 10% in early 2023 due to reduced supply from key exporters.