HS Code:
Yautia, scientifically known as Xanthosoma spp., is a tropical root vegetable commonly cultivated for its starchy corms and leaves, which are used as food in various cuisines. Often referred to as tannia, cocoyam, or new cocoyam, it is a staple in parts of Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia. Yautia is classified under the Harmonized System (HS) Code 0714.90, which includes other roots and tubers with high starch or inulin content. It plays a significant role in food security in developing regions due to its adaptability to diverse climatic conditions and relatively low cultivation costs.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately 1.2 million metric tons
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and FAO Statistics
350,000 metric tons
29% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
280,000 metric tons
23% of total trade of total trade
Stable
200,000 metric tons
17% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
150,000 metric tons
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Stable
100,000 metric tons
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
8.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
35% (imposed by certain African nations to protect local agriculture)
Lowest Rate
0% (under preferential trade agreements like CARICOM and African Continental Free Trade Area)
Rising demand in North American and European markets
Increased exports from Latin American countries due to growing interest in ethnic and tropical foods among diaspora communities and health-conscious consumers.
2021-2022
Climate change affecting production
Erratic weather patterns in tropical regions have led to inconsistent yields, impacting supply stability and causing price volatility in international markets.
2020-2022
Adoption of improved cultivation techniques
Use of disease-resistant varieties and better farming practices in countries like Nigeria and Ghana has boosted production and export potential.
2019-2022
CARICOM member states have agreed to reduce tariffs on intra-regional trade of root crops, including Yautia, to promote food security and economic integration.
March 2023
Expected to increase trade volume within the Caribbean by 15% over the next two years.
The European Union has introduced stricter phytosanitary controls on imported root vegetables to prevent the spread of pests like the black sigatoka fungus.
January 2023
Exporters from Latin America and Africa may face higher compliance costs, potentially reducing trade volumes to the EU in the short term.
The Nigerian government and private sector have invested in processing facilities to convert Yautia into flour and other value-added products for export.
September 2022
This development is expected to diversify export markets and increase revenue for Nigerian farmers by 10-20% over the next five years.