HS Code:
The category 'Vegetable materials and vegetable waste, vegetable residues and byproducts, whether or not in the form of pellets, of a kind used in animal feeding, not elsewhere specified or included' (HS Code: 2308) includes a variety of plant-based materials and residues that are primarily used as animal feed. This encompasses byproducts from agricultural processing, such as bran, sharps, and other residues from cereals, oilseeds, and other crops, as well as vegetable waste and materials not specified elsewhere. These products are critical in the livestock industry for providing cost-effective and sustainable feed options, often rich in fiber and nutrients.
Total Trade Volume
USD 3.5 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 800 million
22.9% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 600 million
17.1% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 450 million
12.9% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 300 million
8.6% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 250 million
7.1% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5.2%
Highest Rate
15% (applied by certain developing countries to protect local feed industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU internal market or USMCA)
Rising demand for sustainable animal feed
Increased trade of vegetable residues as livestock industries seek eco-friendly and cost-effective feed alternatives, reducing reliance on traditional crops like soy and corn.
2020-2022
Growth in organic livestock farming
Higher demand for non-GMO and organic vegetable materials for animal feed, influencing trade patterns and premium pricing in markets like the EU.
2021-2023
Technological advancements in pelletization
Improved processing and pelletization techniques have enhanced the shelf life and transportability of vegetable residues, boosting global trade volumes.
2019-2022
The European Union's Green Deal policies introduced stricter sustainability criteria for animal feed imports, emphasizing reduced carbon footprints and sustainable sourcing of vegetable materials.
January 2023
Exporters to the EU, such as Brazil and the US, are adapting by adopting greener production practices, potentially increasing costs but also opening premium markets.
Under the Phase One trade agreement, China reduced tariffs on certain US agricultural byproducts, including vegetable residues for animal feed, to meet import commitments.
March 2022
This has led to a surge in US exports to China, strengthening bilateral trade in this category and benefiting US agricultural producers.
The African Union launched initiatives to boost local production of animal feed from vegetable residues, aiming to reduce dependency on imports and enhance food security.
July 2023
While this may reduce import volumes in the short term, it could foster regional trade within Africa and create opportunities for technology transfers from major exporters.