HS Code:
Sturgeon roe, commonly known as caviar, falls under HS Code 1604.31. It is a luxury food product derived from the eggs of sturgeon fish, primarily sourced from species like Beluga, Ossetra, and Sevruga. Caviar is highly valued for its delicate flavor and texture, making it a premium delicacy in global markets. The trade of sturgeon roe is heavily regulated due to overfishing concerns and the endangered status of many sturgeon species, governed by international agreements such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The market is characterized by high prices, limited supply, and a focus on sustainable aquaculture practices.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $300 million USD
Data from 2022
Source
UN Comtrade Database and International Trade Centre (ITC) Trade Map
$90 million USD
30% of global trade of total trade
Increasing
$60 million USD
20% of global trade of total trade
Stable
$45 million USD
15% of global trade of total trade
Decreasing
$30 million USD
10% of global trade of total trade
Increasing
$25 million USD
8% of global trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
15% ad valorem
Highest Rate
30% (imposed by certain countries on luxury goods)
Lowest Rate
0% (under specific free trade agreements or for CITES-compliant sustainable sources)
Shift to Aquaculture
Increased production of farmed caviar has alleviated pressure on wild sturgeon populations and stabilized supply, though it has also led to price competition.
2018-2022
Rising Demand in Asia
Growing wealth in Asian markets, particularly China and Japan, has boosted demand for caviar as a status symbol, driving export growth for producing countries.
2020-2022
Sustainability Focus
Consumers and regulators are prioritizing sustainably sourced caviar, leading to higher costs for certification but also premium pricing for compliant products.
2019-2022
China has surpassed traditional producers like Russia and Iran in caviar production through large-scale aquaculture, exporting high-quality Kaluga and Amur sturgeon roe.
Early 2023
This shift has reduced global prices slightly and diversified supply chains, though concerns about quality consistency remain.
The European Union introduced stricter CITES compliance checks and labeling requirements for caviar imports to combat illegal trade and ensure sustainability.
Mid 2022
Exporters face higher compliance costs, potentially reducing trade volumes to the EU in the short term but enhancing long-term market trust.
The United States upheld its ban on importing wild-caught sturgeon roe, pushing demand toward farmed caviar from domestic and international sources.
Late 2022
This reinforces the trend toward aquaculture and benefits countries with established farmed caviar industries.