HS Code:
The 'White and Ladino' category, often associated with specific agricultural products such as seeds or dairy cattle breeds under the Harmonized System (HS) Code structure, refers to a niche segment primarily linked to white clover (Trifolium repens) varieties like Ladino clover, which are widely used for pasture, hay, and soil improvement due to their high nutritional value and nitrogen-fixing properties. This category plays a critical role in agricultural trade, particularly for countries with strong livestock industries. Global trade in this category involves seeds, live plants, and related products used in farming and forage systems. The trade is influenced by climatic conditions, agricultural policies, and demand for sustainable farming practices.
Total Trade Volume
USD 150 million
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database & International Trade Centre (ITC)
USD 45 million
30% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 30 million
20% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 25 million
16.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 20 million
13.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 15 million
10% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (imposed by certain developing countries to protect local agriculture)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-USMCA)
Rising demand for sustainable agriculture
Increased trade in white clover seeds like Ladino due to their role in nitrogen fixation and reducing chemical fertilizer use, boosting exports from major producers like New Zealand and the US.
2021-2022
Shift toward organic livestock farming
Higher demand for organic-certified white clover varieties for pasture, impacting trade patterns with a premium on certified seeds from Europe.
2020-2022
Climate change affecting production
Erratic weather patterns in key producing regions have led to supply volatility, influencing price fluctuations and trade volumes.
2019-2022
The European Union introduced stricter phytosanitary regulations for importing clover seeds to prevent the spread of invasive pests, requiring additional certifications.
January 2023
Increased compliance costs for exporters like the US and New Zealand, potentially reducing trade volumes to the EU in the short term.
A new bilateral agreement reduced tariffs on agricultural inputs, including clover seeds, between the US and Australia, facilitating smoother trade.
March 2023
Expected to boost exports from Australia to the US, strengthening market competition with domestic US producers.
Severe drought conditions in New Zealand led to a temporary reduction in white clover seed production, affecting export volumes.
February 2023
Short-term supply shortages increased global prices, benefiting smaller exporters like Denmark and the Netherlands.