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🥚 Global Birds' Eggs Trade: An Overview of UN Comtrade SITC 0 Data
The international trade of birds' eggs, a vital component of the global food market, is categorized under the broader umbrella of Food and Live Animals (SITC Section 0), specifically within Division 02: Dairy products and birds' eggs in the United Nations Standard International Trade Classification (SITC). The most granular classification for the majority of raw, in-shell trade falls under SITC Group 025: Birds' eggs, and eggs' yolks; egg albumin.
While detailed total global trade values for SITC 025 specifically across all reporters for a single year can vary, individual country export data provided by UN Comtrade offers a snapshot of the market's activity and the primary players involved. Trade values are typically reported in thousands of US Dollars (USD).
The trade encompasses various forms, from fresh, in-shell eggs (often classified under HS Code 0407 in the Harmonized System, which is then converted to SITC) to processed egg yolks and egg albumin.
Top Global Exporters of Birds' Eggs (in-shell, fresh, preserved, or cooked)
Based on reported export data for birds' eggs in the shell (HS 040700), the global market is dominated by a few major exporters. The trade value figures illustrate the significant scale of international egg commerce.
The following table provides the export values (in thousands of USD) for the top global exporters of birds' eggs in the shell for the most recent year available (2023, according to World Integrated Trade Solution, WITS, powered by UN Comtrade data):
| Reporter | Product Code (HS) | Product Description | Trade Value (1000 USD) - 2023 |
| Netherlands | 040700 | Birds' eggs, in shell, fresh, preserved or cook | 1,041,455.01 |
| European Union* | 040700 | Birds' eggs, in shell, fresh, preserved or cook | 793,033.55 |
| United States | 040700 | Birds' eggs, in shell, fresh, preserved or cook | 594,380.46 |
| Poland | 040700 | Birds' eggs, in shell, fresh, preserved or cook | 518,784.19 |
| Turkey | 040700 | Birds' eggs, in shell, fresh, preserved or cook | 411,056.91 |
| Germany | 040700 | Birds' eggs, in shell, fresh, preserved or cook | 347,744.50 |
| China | 040700 | Birds' eggs, in shell, fresh, preserved or cook | 288,808.09 |
| Spain | 040700 | Birds' eggs, in shell, fresh, preserved or cook | 245,661.56 |
| Belgium | 040700 | Birds' eggs, in shell, fresh, preserved or cook | 225,355.31 |
| France | 040700 | Birds' eggs, in shell, fresh, preserved or cook | 194,960.25 |
*Note: The European Union figure represents intra- and extra-union trade, and there may be some overlap with individual EU member state data. The HS code 040700 closely correlates to the SITC 025 category for in-shell eggs.
Market Context
The trade in birds' eggs is subject to numerous factors, including:
Veterinary Regulations: Strict health and safety standards, particularly concerning avian diseases, heavily influence international egg movements.
Logistics: The fragility and perishability of eggs necessitate efficient cold chain logistics, which can impact trade flows and costs.
Consumer Demand: Demand for fresh and processed egg products (like powdered or liquid eggs) drives different segments of the trade.
The data underscores the Netherlands' exceptional role as a leading global exporter in this commodity group, followed by other major European and global agricultural economies.
🥚 UN Comtrade SITC 0: Highest Birds' Eggs Export Value by Region
The international trade of birds' eggs (primarily reported under SITC Group 025: Birds' eggs, and eggs' yolks; egg albumin, or the corresponding HS 0407: Birds' eggs, in shell) is heavily concentrated in a few regions, with Europe dominating the market in terms of export value.
This regional dominance is due to highly industrialized agricultural sectors, specialization in trade, and efficient logistics within trading blocs like the European Union.
Top Regional Exporters of Birds' Eggs (Trade Value)
The table below provides an approximate breakdown of the total export value for birds' eggs in the shell (HS 0407) by major continent, based on global trade data for 2023. Values are in millions of US Dollars (USD).
| Region | Approximate Total Export Value (Million USD) - 2023 | Share of Global Trade (Approx.) | Key Contributing Countries |
| Europe | ~$3,500 - $3,700 | ~62% - 66% | Netherlands, Poland, Germany, Turkey, Spain |
| Americas (North & Latin) | ~$700 - $850 | ~12% - 15% | United States, Brazil, Canada |
| Asia | ~$600 - $800 | ~11% - 14% | China, Malaysia, India, Thailand |
| Middle East (Included in Asia/Other) | ~$150 - $250 | ~3% - 5% | Oman, Jordan |
| Africa | ~$30 - $50 | < 1% | South Africa, Zambia, Morocco |
| Oceania | ~$15 - $25 | < 1% | New Zealand |
| World Total | ~$5,650 (Billion USD) | 100% |
Note: Regional totals are approximate, compiled by aggregating individual country data reported to UN Comtrade (HS 0407), which corresponds closely to SITC 025 for in-shell eggs. Figures for the European Union include both intra- and extra-bloc trade, heavily influencing the European total.
🔑 Final Conclusion: The Birds' Eggs Market Disparity
The analysis of global birds' eggs data, contrasting production volume with international trade value (UN Comtrade SITC 025/HS 0407), highlights a fundamental disparity in the global market:
Production Power vs. Trade Power: Asia is the undisputed production powerhouse, generating over 60% of the world's eggs. However, this output is overwhelmingly consumed by massive domestic populations (e.g., China, India), resulting in a low ratio of exports to production.
Europe's Export Specialization: Conversely, Europe is the trading powerhouse, accounting for over 60% of the global export value. This dominance stems from highly efficient, export-oriented farming in countries like the Netherlands and Poland, which specialize in moving product across borders, often within the integrated EU market.
Low Trade Intensity: The market is characterized by a low overall trade intensity; less than 5% of global egg production is traded internationally. This low flow is primarily a logistical reality due to the perishability and fragility of eggs, making it a challenging commodity for long-distance global commerce.
In essence, the world's eggs are produced in Asia but primarily traded by Europe. The UN Comtrade data (trade value) reveals the competitive landscape of the few regions specialized in export efficiency, rather than the true global capacity for egg production.
.jpg "UN Comtrade SITC 0: Top Global Exporters of Birds' Eggs (Trade Value)")
🥚 UN Comtrade SITC 0: Top Global Exporters of Birds' Eggs (Trade Value)
The trade of birds' eggs, typically classified under SITC Group 025 and the closely corresponding HS Code 0407 (Birds' eggs, in shell, fresh, preserved, or cooked), is dominated by a few countries with highly developed commercial agricultural and logistics sectors.
The data below, based on the most recent available UN Comtrade data for 2023, shows the top exporters by value, clearly demonstrating the dominance of European nations in the international egg trade.
Top 10 Countries by Birds' Eggs Export Value (HS 0407)
| Rank | Country | Region | Export Value (1000 USD) - 2023 |
| 1 | Netherlands | Europe | 1,041,455.01 |
| 2 | United States | Americas | 594,380.46 |
| 3 | Poland | Europe | 518,784.19 |
| 4 | Turkey | Europe/Asia | 411,056.91 |
| 5 | Germany | Europe | 347,744.50 |
| 6 | China | Asia | 288,808.09 |
| 7 | Spain | Europe | 245,661.56 |
| 8 | Belgium | Europe | 225,355.31 |
| 9 | France | Europe | 194,960.25 |
| 10 | Brazil | Americas | 157,842.47 |
Note: The United States value sometimes appears high in UN Comtrade compilations due to reporting methodology (e.g., inclusion of re-exports). Data is based on reported trade flows for HS 0407 for the year 2023.
🔑 Final Conclusion: Europe's Specialization in Egg Trade
The analysis of UN Comtrade data for birds' eggs trade (SITC 025/HS 0407) reveals a clear pattern of specialized export dominance:
European Hegemony: The international egg trade is heavily skewed, with six out of the top ten exporters located in Europe. The Netherlands stands as the unparalleled global leader, exporting over $1 billion USD annually. This reflects Europe's success in establishing highly efficient, interconnected supply chains and adhering to the strict sanitary and quality standards necessary for cross-border food trade.
Trade vs. Production Paradox: The trade leaders are not the global production volume leaders. Countries like China and India, while producing the vast majority of the world's eggs, export a small fraction of their output. Conversely, the high ranking of European countries demonstrates their reliance on trade specialization, selling their eggs to neighboring countries within the dense European consumer market.
Efficiency and Logistics: Because eggs are fragile and highly perishable, less than 5% of global production is traded internationally. The top exporters are thus capturing the majority of a small, highly competitive global trade pool, confirming that success in the egg trade relies more on logistical efficiency and market access than on simple mass production.
📥 UN Comtrade SITC 0: Highest Birds' Eggs Import Value by Region
The international trade of birds' eggs (SITC 025/HS 0407) is characterized by a reciprocal flow, where the largest exporting region is also often the largest importing region. Europe dominates both sides of the ledger, reflecting dense regional trade and specialized supply chains.
The table below provides an approximate breakdown of the total import value for birds' eggs in the shell (HS 0407) by major continent, based on global trade data for 2023. Values are in millions of US Dollars (USD).
| Region | Approximate Total Import Value (Million USD) - 2023 | Share of Global Trade (Approx.) | Key Contributing Countries |
| Europe | ~$2,500 - $2,800 | ~50% - 55% | Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France, United Kingdom |
| Asia | ~$1,000 - $1,200 | ~20% - 25% | Hong Kong (China), Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia |
| Americas (North & Latin) | ~$600 - $750 | ~12% - 15% | Mexico, Canada, United States |
| Africa | ~$100 - $150 | ~2% - 3% | Various North African and West African nations |
| Oceania | <$50 | < 1% | Australia, New Zealand |
| World Total | ~$5,650 (Billion USD) | 100% |
Note: Regional totals are aggregated from individual country data reported to UN Comtrade (HS 0407) for 2023. The European total is significant due to high intra-European trade, where countries often import raw product for further processing or domestic sale.
🔑 Final Conclusion: The European Trade Cycle
The analysis of UN Comtrade data for birds' eggs confirms the central role of Europe in the international trade cycle:
Europe Dominates Both Sides: Europe is the highest regional importer, just as it is the highest regional exporter. This indicates a highly integrated and dynamic regional market where eggs are constantly crossing borders—often being moved from lower-cost producers (like Poland) to major consumption and processing hubs (like Germany and the Netherlands).
The Netherlands' Dual Role: The Netherlands stands out as a prime example of this trade fluidity, ranking as a top global exporter and a top global importer. This suggests the country operates extensively as an egg trading and re-export hub, importing raw eggs, potentially grading or processing them, and then re-exporting them.
Asian Consumption vs. Trade: In contrast to production (where Asia leads), the major import markets in Asia (Hong Kong, Singapore, UAE) are primarily high-value, concentrated consumer markets that lack the domestic production capacity to meet demand, making them structurally reliant on imports. The Americas' imports, led by Mexico and Canada, are driven largely by geographically localized supply chain needs.
In conclusion, global birds' egg import value is primarily a reflection of intra-European regional trade specialization and logistics, with high-value Asian city-states representing the most significant non-European destinations.
.jpg "UN Comtrade SITC 0: Highest Importing Country of Birds' Eggs (Trade Value)")
🇩🇪 UN Comtrade SITC 0: Highest Importing Country of Birds' Eggs (Trade Value)
The international trade of birds' eggs, primarily in-shell hen eggs (classified under HS Code 0407, which corresponds closely to SITC Group 025), is dominated by large, developed economies with high consumption rates and sophisticated food processing industries.
Based on global trade data for 2023 reported by national authorities to UN Comtrade, the highest import value is concentrated in European countries and high-value Asian city-states.
Top 10 Countries by Birds' Eggs Import Value (HS 0407)
| Rank | Country | Region | Import Value (Thousand USD) - 2023 | Key Role in Trade |
| 1 | Germany | Europe | ~$753,200 - $877,365 | Largest final consumer and processing market in Europe. |
| 2 | Netherlands | Europe | ~$386,600 - $614,149 | Major re-export and trading hub, importing for domestic supply and re-export. |
| 3 | Mexico | Americas | ~$314,690 | Significant supply gap for domestic consumption, relying heavily on the US. |
| 4 | Hong Kong (China) | Asia | ~$279,500 - $304,194 | City-state with high consumption and limited domestic production. |
| 5 | Singapore | Asia | ~$209,800 - $224,129 | City-state with high consumption and limited domestic production. |
| 6 | Belgium | Europe | ~$143,400 - $204,299 | Key market and transit country within the European Union. |
| 7 | United Kingdom | Europe | ~$111,500 - $181,459 | Significant importer to meet high domestic demand. |
| 8 | Canada | Americas | ~$93,300 - $184,066 | Imports primarily from the US to balance supply. |
| 9 | United Arab Emirates | Asia | ~$145,500 - $174,177 | Major consumption hub in the Middle East, heavily reliant on imports. |
| 10 | France | Europe | ~$122,100 - $168,827 | High domestic demand country within the EU trade bloc. |
Note: Import values vary slightly depending on the specific reporting source and methodology used to compile UN Comtrade data for 2023. The range provided reflects the most commonly reported figures.
🔑 Final Conclusion: Drivers of Egg Importation
The UN Comtrade data for birds' egg imports highlights two primary drivers defining the global trade flow:
European Regional Trade and Consumption: The market is led by Germany, the largest single importing nation, driven by its massive consumer base and large food processing industry. The prominence of other EU nations (Netherlands, Belgium, France) signifies the highly fluid and intensive nature of intra-European trade, where eggs are moved constantly for processing, re-export, and final consumption. The Netherlands' ranking as a top importer and exporter confirms its specialized role as a key trading and logistics hub.
Structural Demand Deficit: The high import value for non-European countries like Mexico and the Asian city-states (Hong Kong, Singapore, UAE) is due to a structural deficit. These markets either lack the domestic capacity to meet high consumer demand or are major regional consumption hubs that must rely on imports for their food supply.
In conclusion, global birds' egg imports are dominated by Germany as the main consuming destination, supported by the efficient European trading infrastructure, and sustained by concentrated high-value consumer markets across the globe facing structural supply constraints.
.jpg "UN Comtrade SITC 0: Trade Balance of Birds' Eggs (HS 0407)")
💰 UN Comtrade SITC 0: Trade Balance of Birds' Eggs (HS 0407)
Trade Balance is calculated as: $\text{Exports} - \text{Imports} = \text{Trade Balance}$ (Value in Thousand USD)
Top 5 Net Exporters (Trade Surplus)
These countries export significantly more value than they import, making them the most vital suppliers in the international egg trade.
| Rank | Country | Exports (1000 USD) | Imports (1000 USD) | Trade Balance (1000 USD) | Key Role |
| 1 | Netherlands | 1,041,455 | 552,000 | +489,455 | Major European Trading Hub and processor. |
| 2 | Poland | 518,784 | 140,000 | +378,784 | Large-scale, low-cost European Producer. |
| 3 | United States | 594,380 | 220,000 | +374,380 | Large domestic market with significant surplus production. |
| 4 | Turkey | 411,057 | 33,000 | +378,057 | Key supplier to the Middle East and surrounding regions. |
| 5 | China | 288,808 | 5,000 | +283,808 | Although the largest producer, its exports are a tiny fraction of its output. |
Top 5 Net Importers (Trade Deficit)
These countries import significantly more value than they export, indicating a structural reliance on foreign eggs to meet domestic demand.
| Rank | Country | Exports (1000 USD) | Imports (1000 USD) | Trade Balance (1000 USD) | Key Role |
| 1 | Germany | 181,600 | 839,000 | -657,400 | Largest final consumer and processing market in Europe. |
| 2 | Hong Kong (China) | 2,000 | 302,000 | -300,000 | Concentrated city-state with minimal domestic production. |
| 3 | Singapore | 6,000 | 224,130 | -218,130 | Concentrated city-state with minimal domestic production. |
| 4 | Mexico | 120,000 | 314,691 | -194,691 | High domestic consumption with a structural supply gap (filled by US imports). |
| 5 | United Kingdom | 30,000 | 181,459 | -151,459 | Significant importer to meet high domestic demand. |
(Note: Export and Import figures are rounded approximations for 2023, based on UN Comtrade and OEC data for HS 0407/SITC 025. The Trade Balance calculation uses the rounded figures.)
🔑 Final Conclusion: The Structure of Egg Trade
The Trade Balance data clearly defines the global egg market's two distinct roles:
Export Specialization (Net Exporters): Countries like the Netherlands, Poland, and Turkey have built massive trade surpluses by focusing on efficient, large-scale production geared explicitly toward export. Their economic success in this category is directly tied to foreign market demand.
Consumption Dependence (Net Importers): Countries like Germany (the world's largest net importer) and the Asian hubs are structurally dependent on this trade. Their deficit is driven by either overwhelming consumer demand (Germany, UK) or a total lack of domestic farming space (Hong Kong, Singapore).
This confirms that the global egg trade is fundamentally a flow from a few specialized European and American surplus producers to a few concentrated European and Asian consumer markets.
%20Trade%20Statistics.jpg "UN Comtrade: Data Source and Organization Involved in Birds' Eggs (SITC 025/HS 0407) Trade Statistics")
📊 UN Comtrade: Data Source and Organization Involved in Birds' Eggs (SITC 025/HS 0407) Trade Statistics
The statistical data regarding the international trade of birds' eggs (SITC 025/HS 0407) used in the preceding articles is sourced, managed, and standardized by key international organizations, primarily the United Nations.
1. Primary Data Source
The essential trade figures (import/export value, country of origin/destination) are retrieved from:
UN Comtrade (United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database): This is the world's most comprehensive database of merchandise trade statistics.
Data Origin: The data ultimately originates from the Customs Authorities and National Statistical Offices (NSOs) of nearly 200 reporting countries. When a shipment crosses a border, the customs declaration provides the raw data (product code, value, weight, partner country).
2. Organizations Involved
Several organizations ensure the consistency and comparability of this global trade data:
| Organization | Role in Trade Data | Relevance to Birds' Eggs Analysis |
| United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) | Manages and compiles the UN Comtrade database. | Responsible for cleaning, standardizing, and aggregating the data submitted by national authorities. |
| World Customs Organization (WCO) | Maintains the Harmonized System (HS) of Commodity Classification. | Ensures all countries use the same codes (e.g., HS 0407) to classify products, which is the base data format for the trade analysis. |
| UNSD (Classification) | Maintains the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC). | Converts HS codes into broader SITC groups (SITC 025) for economic analysis and regional aggregation. |
| Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) | Maintains the FAOSTAT database for agricultural production statistics. | Its data was used to compare trade value (UN Comtrade) against production volume (FAO) to highlight the trade paradox in the birds' egg market. |
In summary, UN Comtrade is the central repository, fueled by national customs data, and standardized globally through classifications maintained by the WCO and the UNSD.
🔑 Final Conclusion: The Structure of the Global Birds' Eggs Trade
The analysis of trade data, primarily sourced from UN Comtrade (SITC 025/HS 0407), reveals a global market defined by a fundamental disparity between production capacity and trade flow specialization.
1. The Production vs. Trade Paradox
The most significant finding is the disconnect between the two sides of the global supply chain:
Production Power (Asia): The world's largest volumes of eggs are produced in Asia (over 60% of the total), led overwhelmingly by China. However, this production is geared toward domestic consumption and contributes relatively little to the international trade figures.
Trade Power (Europe): The international trade in eggs is dominated by Europe, which consistently accounts for over 60% of global export value. Countries like the Netherlands (the world's top exporter) and Germany (the world's largest net importer) drive the market.
2. Roles Defined by Trade Balance
The Trade Balance data clearly defines two specialized groups of countries:
Net Exporters (Suppliers): Mostly European nations (Netherlands, Poland) and large agricultural producers (Turkey, United States) that generate significant surpluses and rely on foreign markets for profitability.
Net Importers (Consumers): Countries with the largest trade deficits, falling into two categories:
Final Consumers & Processors: European hubs like Germany, which import eggs for consumption and extensive processing.
Structural Deficits: Densely populated hubs with minimal farming land, such as Hong Kong and Singapore.
3. Data Foundation
All trade conclusions are built upon the standardized statistical framework provided by global bodies:
The raw data comes from National Customs Authorities and is aggregated by the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) into the UN Comtrade database.
Product identification is ensured by the World Customs Organization (WCO) via HS Code 0407 and the UN's own SITC 025 classification.
In conclusion, the birds' eggs market is a low-intensity global trade (due to perishability), characterized by specialized European exporters efficiently supplying a few dense European and Asian consumer markets.