HS Code:
Tragacanth (HS Code: 13019010) is a natural gum obtained from the dried sap of several species of Middle Eastern legumes of the genus Astragalus. It is primarily used as a thickening agent, stabilizer, and emulsifier in food, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications such as textiles and cosmetics. Tragacanth is valued for its high viscosity, stability under heat, and ability to form gels, making it a critical ingredient in various industries.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately USD 25 million
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and International Trade Centre (ITC)
USD 15 million
60% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 5 million
20% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 2.5 million
10% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 1.5 million
6% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
USD 1 million
4% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
10% (applied by certain developing countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-Iran preferences)
Rising demand for natural ingredients
Increased use of tragacanth in food and pharmaceutical industries as a natural alternative to synthetic stabilizers, driving export growth from major producers like Iran and Turkey.
2021-2022
Fluctuations due to geopolitical tensions
Sanctions on Iran have sporadically disrupted supply chains, causing price volatility and shifts in market share to Turkey and other producers.
2020-2022
Growth in cosmetic applications
Tragacanthโs use in natural cosmetics has spurred demand in European markets, particularly in Germany and France, influencing import patterns.
2022
Iran eased export restrictions on tragacanth to boost foreign exchange earnings, increasing supply to European and Asian markets.
March 2023
Expected to stabilize global prices and increase Iranโs market share, though lingering sanctions may limit full potential.
Turkey has invested in advanced processing facilities for tragacanth to meet international quality standards, particularly for food-grade products.
July 2022
Enhanced Turkeyโs competitiveness, potentially shifting some market share from Iran and appealing to quality-conscious importers like the EU.
The European Union updated its food additive regulations, imposing stricter purity standards for tragacanth imports.
January 2023
May increase compliance costs for exporters but ensures higher quality, benefiting certified suppliers and potentially raising prices.