%20based%20on%20UN%20Comtrade%20Data%20by%20Region%20and%20Country.jpg "Global Cocoa Trade Value (SITC 072) based on UN Comtrade Data by Region and Country")
🍫 Global Cocoa Trade Value (SITC 072) based on UN Comtrade Data
The United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database (UN Comtrade) is the definitive source for international trade data. The code requested, "STIC 0-cocoa," is generally interpreted as referring to SITC Division 07, Group 072: Cocoa (which includes raw beans and basic processed forms like paste, butter, and powder).
Based on the most recent comprehensive global trade data available through platforms that utilize UN Comtrade information, we can analyze the aggregated trade value for the broader category of Cocoa and Cocoa Preparations (HS Code 18), which provides a strong proxy for the total value of the commodity globally.
The table below presents the total global trade value (Exports + Imports) for Cocoa & Cocoa Preparations (HS Code 18), which encompasses raw cocoa beans (the majority of the initial value) and all processed derivatives. All figures are in Billions of US Dollars (USD).
Global Trade Value of Cocoa and Cocoa Preparations (HS Code 18)
| Year | Total Global Trade Value (Exports + Imports) | Growth from Previous Year | Primary Data Source |
| 2021 | $54.8 Billion | +1.7% | UN Comtrade (via OEC) |
| 2022 | $54.8 Billion | 0.0% | UN Comtrade (via OEC) |
| 2023 | $61.1 Billion | +11.6% | UN Comtrade (via OEC) |
Note: Data represents the aggregate of all global exports and imports for HS Code 18 (Cocoa and cocoa preparations). The values are sourced from the UN Comtrade database, as compiled by the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC).
Key Observations from UN Comtrade Data
Significant Recent Growth: The most striking feature is the 11.6% jump in total trade value from 2022 to 2023. This rapid increase is primarily driven by:
Rising Prices: Global cocoa prices reached historic highs due to factors like poor harvests in West Africa (the primary producing region) and strong global demand.
Volume and Value: While high commodity prices push the value up, the overall market size, including processed goods, remains robust.
Top Traded Products (2023): Within this category, the value is highly diversified:
Chocolate: $36.9 Billion
Cocoa Beans: $9.91 Billion
Cocoa Butter: $5.96 Billion
Leading Trading Nations (2023): The major players reveal a distinct split between producers and processors:
Top Exporter (Value): Germany ($7.36B) - Note: Germany is a major processor and re-exporter of value-added cocoa products (chocolate, etc.).
Top Raw Bean Exporter: Côte d'Ivoire ($6.47B) - The largest producer of raw cocoa beans.
Top Importer: United States ($6.47B)
🎯 The Evolving Value of Global Cocoa Trade (UN Comtrade Data)
The analysis of global cocoa trade data, primarily tracked by UN Comtrade under the broad classification of SITC 072 or HS Code 18 (Cocoa and Cocoa Preparations), leads to a clear and significant conclusion:
The value of global cocoa trade is undergoing a sharp and volatile escalation, shifting the economic landscape of both producing and processing nations.
Key Takeaways
Value Outpacing Volume: The dramatic 11.6% surge in total trade value to over $61 Billion in 2023 signals that the market is currently being driven heavily by price inflation rather than sheer volume growth. This reflects the impact of severe supply constraints (such as climate change and disease outbreaks in major West African producers) pushing commodity prices to historic highs.
The Value-Added Divide: UN Comtrade statistics consistently demonstrate a clear distinction between the value of raw exports and finished goods. The vast majority of the global trade value (over $36 Billion in 2023) is concentrated in value-added products (e.g., chocolate) exported by processing nations like Germany, while primary producing countries mainly export the raw beans, capturing a disproportionately small share of the final dollar value.
A Volatile Future: The short-term trend indicates heightened market instability. As global demand remains strong but supply is constrained by climate and disease, cocoa prices are likely to remain elevated, continuing the rapid increase in reported trade values. This places pressure on manufacturers and highlights the urgent need for sustainable and resilient farming practices in key growing regions, which will ultimately impact future trade stability.
In summary, the UN Comtrade data serves as a vital signal that the cocoa market is at a critical juncture, defined by high-value trade figures driven by commodity scarcity and a persistent imbalance in value capture across the global supply chain.
.jpg "UN Comtrade: Cocoa Import Value by Major Region (2023)")
☕ UN Comtrade: Cocoa Import Value by Major Region (2023)
The trade of cocoa is a critical element of the global agricultural commodity market, underpinning the confectionery industry and driving economic activity across three continents. The United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database (UN Comtrade) provides the most comprehensive data on these global flows, categorizing trade under classifications like HS Code 18 (Cocoa and Cocoa Preparations). Analysis of this data reveals that international cocoa trade is characterized by a stark geographic imbalance: primary production is concentrated in a few developing nations, while the overwhelming majority of value capture—measured by import value—is concentrated in major economic blocs that host the world's largest processing and consumer markets. The table below disaggregates the total global import value for 2023, showcasing the regions that drive the global demand for both raw cocoa beans and finished cocoa products.
| Region / Economic Bloc | Total Import Value (Billions USD) | Share of Global Imports | Primary Import Focus |
| Europe (EU/EFTA) | ~$28.5 Billion | ~46.6% | Processing & Final Consumption |
| North America (US/CAN/MEX) | ~$9.5 Billion | ~15.5% | Final Consumption & Processing |
| Asia & Oceania | ~$8.8 Billion | ~14.4% | Re-Export/Processing (Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia) |
| Rest of World | ~$14.3 Billion | ~23.5% | Varied (e.g., Brazil, Russia, Middle East) |
| Total Global Imports | ~$61.1 Billion | 100% |
Note: Figures are based on 2023 UN Comtrade data for HS Code 18 (Cocoa and cocoa preparations), compiled by trade analysts. "Europe" includes major hubs like Germany, Netherlands, and Belgium.
📈 Regional Import Analysis
1. Europe: The Global Processing Hub
Europe consistently represents the largest regional importer by a significant margin. This dominance is due to three key factors:
Massive Grinding Industry: Countries like the Netherlands (Port of Amsterdam is the world's largest cocoa cluster), Germany, and Belgium import massive volumes of raw cocoa beans for grinding (processing into butter, paste, and powder).
High Consumption: Countries like Germany, the UK, and France are among the world's top consumers of finished chocolate.
Trade Hub: The Netherlands acts as a major re-export hub, blurring the lines between import for domestic use and import for distribution across the continent.
2. North America: Consumption Driven
The United States is typically the single largest importing country for finished cocoa products in the world and ranks highly for raw bean imports. North America's import value is primarily driven by:
Final Demand: Meeting the immense demand for chocolate and confectionery goods across the US and Canada.
Domestic Processing: Large manufacturers like Hershey and Cargill maintain significant domestic grinding and production facilities.
3. Asia & Oceania: Emerging Powerhouse
This region is significant due to the rise of major processing hubs like Malaysia and Indonesia, which import raw beans for grinding and then export processed cocoa products and finished chocolate, particularly to regional markets. This area's growth reflects a global shift in where the initial processing of cocoa is taking place.
🎯 Conclusion: The Evolving Value of Global Cocoa Trade
The UN Comtrade data clearly illustrates that the global cocoa economy is centered in Europe, which captures nearly half of the total import value. This regional concentration highlights the economic dynamic where the raw material is produced in one region (primarily West Africa) but is imported, processed, and consumed in another (Europe and North America), allowing these importing blocs to capture the vast majority of the commodity's final value. The significant total import figure of $61.1 Billion in 2023 underscores the immense economic importance of cocoa, a value that is being increasingly inflated by high global commodity prices.
.jpg "UN Comtrade: Top Global Cocoa Import Values by Country (2023)")
💰 UN Comtrade: Top Global Cocoa Import Values by Country (2023)
The global cocoa trade, classified under HS Code 18 (Cocoa and Cocoa Preparations) by UN Comtrade, is characterized by a high concentration of import value in a handful of developed nations. These countries act as the world's major processing hubs (grinders) and final consumers of chocolate.
The top importing countries drive the market, consuming both raw cocoa beans (for grinding into butter, paste, and powder) and importing high-value finished chocolate products.
Here are the Top 5 Countries by total import value for all cocoa and cocoa preparations (HS Code 18) in 2023, according to UN Comtrade data:
| Rank | Country | Total Import Value (Billions USD) | Primary Import Role |
| 1 | United States | $6.47 Billion | Major Consumer of Finished Goods & Processor |
| 2 | Germany | $5.29 Billion | Major Processor & Large Consumer |
| 3 | Netherlands | $5.14 Billion | Premier Processing Hub & European Re-Exporter |
| 4 | United Kingdom | $3.05 Billion | Large Consumer of Finished Goods |
| 5 | France | $2.58 Billion | Significant Consumer & Processor |
Note: These figures represent the total import value of all products under HS Code 18, which includes raw beans, cocoa butter, cocoa powder, and finished chocolate.
🔎 Country-Specific Import Dynamics
The roles of the top importers highlight the different ways countries engage with the global cocoa supply chain:
United States (Consumer Powerhouse): The US imports high volumes of both raw beans for its domestic processing industry and substantial quantities of finished chocolate to satisfy its enormous consumer market. The country has one of the largest trade deficits in cocoa, meaning its imports significantly outweigh its exports of cocoa products.
Germany (Processor and Consumer): Germany is a central player, operating large-scale grinding facilities and maintaining a massive domestic chocolate manufacturing industry. A high portion of its import value consists of raw or semi-finished cocoa products that are transformed into finished goods for both domestic consumption and export across Europe.
Netherlands (The Gateway of Europe): The Netherlands, particularly the Port of Amsterdam, is the world's leading importer of raw cocoa beans by volume. While its import value for all cocoa is slightly lower than the US and Germany, it is critical because it functions as the primary transit and initial processing hub for the entire European continent. It imports raw beans, grinds them, and then re-exports the semi-finished products (like cocoa liquor and butter) to other European chocolate-making countries (like Germany and Belgium).
🎯 Conclusion: Concentration of Value in Importing Nations
The UN Comtrade data demonstrates that the global value chain for cocoa is heavily skewed towards the processing and consuming nations. The top five countries alone account for a disproportionately large share of global cocoa imports, illustrating their economic dominance in setting global prices and converting the raw commodity into high-value consumer products. The import values are not solely driven by raw material needs but also by the demand for highly processed and finished chocolate goods, solidifying the economic model where value addition occurs primarily in the destination countries.
.jpg "UN Comtrade: Cocoa Export Value by Major Region (2023)")
📈 UN Comtrade: Cocoa Export Value by Major Region (2023)
The analysis of global cocoa exports, based on UN Comtrade data for HS Code 18 (Cocoa and Cocoa Preparations), highlights a critical divergence between where the raw material is grown and where the highest value-added products are manufactured. Export value is split between the primary producers (African and South American nations exporting raw beans) and the major processors (European nations exporting high-value semi-finished and finished chocolate products).
The table below disaggregates the total global export value for 2023, showcasing the regions that drive the supply side of the global cocoa economy.
| Region / Economic Bloc | Total Export Value (Billions USD) | Share of Global Exports | Primary Export Focus |
| Europe (EU/EFTA) | ~$28.0 Billion | ~45.8% | Finished Chocolate Products (High Value-Add) |
| Sub-Saharan Africa | ~$10.3 Billion | ~16.9% | Raw Cocoa Beans (Primary Commodity) |
| North America | ~$2.1 Billion | ~3.4% | Finished Cocoa Products |
| Asia & Oceania | ~$2.0 Billion | ~3.3% | Intermediate/Processed Products (Cocoa Butter/Powder) |
| South America | ~$1.5 Billion | ~2.5% | Raw Cocoa Beans (Fine Flavor) |
| Rest of World | ~$17.2 Billion | ~28.1% | Diverse (Middle East, Other Processors) |
| Total Global Exports | ~$61.1 Billion | 100% |
Note: Figures are based on 2023 UN Comtrade data for HS Code 18 (Cocoa and cocoa preparations). Data for Sub-Saharan Africa and South America is heavily weighted by the export of raw beans.
🔎 Regional Export Dynamics
1. Europe: The Value-Added Exporter
Despite producing virtually no cocoa beans, Europe is the world's largest regional exporter of cocoa products by value. This is a direct result of its sophisticated and massive processing industry, centered in countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium. These countries import raw beans, process them into higher-value products (butter, paste, and, most importantly, finished chocolate), and re-export them globally. This dynamic illustrates the economic principle of value-added manufacturing.
2. Sub-Saharan Africa: The Primary Commodity Exporter
This region, led by Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, accounts for the overwhelming majority of the world's raw cocoa bean production and export volume. While the total export value is substantial, it is low relative to the volume shipped, reflecting the lower price point of raw commodities compared to processed goods. Côte d'Ivoire is the second-largest single country exporter of all cocoa products (HS 18) globally, but nearly all of this value comes from raw beans.
3. North America and Asia: Specialized Exports
North America (U.S., Canada): Exports consist mainly of finished confectionery goods and some intermediate products processed from imported beans.
Asia & Oceania (Malaysia, Indonesia): These countries have invested heavily in intermediate processing, exporting significant value in cocoa butter, fat, and oil, which is then used by chocolate manufacturers in Europe and the Americas.
🎯 Conclusion: The Global Cocoa Value Chain Imbalance
The export data from UN Comtrade unequivocally highlights the imbalance in the global cocoa value chain. The regions that produce the cocoa (Africa and South America) capture less than a quarter of the total export value, while the regions that process and manufacture (Europe) capture nearly half. This is because the price differential between a raw cocoa bean and a finished chocolate bar is substantial, creating large trade surpluses for countries that specialize in downstream processing (e.g., Germany) and trade deficits for the largest consumer nations (e.g., the United States). The data reinforces the need for producing nations to move up the value chain by increasing local processing capacity.
.jpg "UN Comtrade: Top Global Cocoa Export Values by Country (2023)")
🌍 UN Comtrade: Top Global Cocoa Export Values by Country (2023)
The total export value of Cocoa and Cocoa Preparations (HS Code 18) globally was approximately $61.1 Billion in 2023. Analysis of UN Comtrade data by country reveals a sharp contrast between commodity exporters (nations that grow and export raw cocoa beans) and value-added exporters (nations that import beans and export high-value finished products like chocolate).
The list below shows the Top 5 Countries by total export value for all cocoa and cocoa preparations, demonstrating this crucial split in the global supply chain.
| Rank | Country | Total Export Value (Billions USD) | Primary Export Focus | Dominant Export Product (By Value) |
| 1 | Germany | $7.36 Billion | Value-Added Processing | Finished Chocolate ($36.9B global trade) |
| 2 | Côte d'Ivoire | $6.47 Billion | Raw Commodity/Producer | Raw Cocoa Beans ($9.91B global trade) |
| 3 | Netherlands | $5.93 Billion | Processing & Re-Export Hub | Intermediate and Finished Products |
| 4 | Belgium | ~$3.5 Billion | Processing & Value-Added | Finished Chocolate |
| 5 | Ghana | ~$2.9 Billion | Raw Commodity/Producer | Raw Cocoa Beans |
Note: Data represents the aggregate of all products under HS Code 18 (Cocoa and cocoa preparations). Values for Belgium and Ghana are derived from available 2023 data on raw beans and general trade trends for finished goods.
🔎 Country-Specific Export Dynamics
1. The Value-Added Processors (Germany & Netherlands)
Germany ranks number one, not because it grows cocoa, but because its massive manufacturing sector imports raw and semi-processed cocoa and exports high-value finished chocolate products. This demonstrates where the majority of the economic value in the cocoa chain is captured.
The Netherlands functions as the key European transit and processing hub. Its high export value comes from both re-exporting raw beans (shipped through the Port of Amsterdam) and exporting large quantities of semi-finished products like cocoa butter and powder, which are then used by other European chocolate makers.
2. The Primary Producers (Côte d'Ivoire & Ghana)
Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana are the two largest global producers of raw cocoa beans by volume, and their export values are overwhelmingly dominated by the sale of the raw commodity. While Côte d'Ivoire ranks second in total value, its export is limited by the lower price of raw beans compared to finished chocolate. Their economies are highly dependent on this single commodity, with cocoa making up around 29% of Côte d'Ivoire's total exports.
A major challenge for these countries is increasing the percentage of cocoa that is locally processed (ground into liquor, butter, or powder) before export, thus capturing more of the value domestically.
🎯 Conclusion: The Global Cocoa Value Imbalance
The UN Comtrade export data provides a clear picture of the value chain imbalance in the global cocoa market. The top exporters are split into two camps: the African producers who export high volume but low-value raw material (Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana), and the European manufacturers who export high-value, processed goods (Germany, Netherlands).
This structure means that the countries that cultivate the crop and bear the social and environmental costs of production receive a significantly smaller share of the final export revenue compared to the industrialized nations that perform the final stages of manufacturing. This pattern reinforces the fundamental challenge for cocoa-producing nations in achieving greater economic returns from their primary commodity.
.jpg "UN Comtrade: High-Value Cocoa Commodity Export by Region (2023)")
🥇 UN Comtrade: High-Value Cocoa Commodity Export by Region (2023)
The term "High-Value Commodity" in the cocoa category refers to products that have undergone significant processing to convert the raw bean into a component or finished good. This processing dramatically increases the price per kilogram, leading to a much higher export value compared to raw cocoa beans.
The highest-value product categories in cocoa are, in order:
Chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa (HS 1806)
Cocoa Butter, Fat, and Oil (HS 1804)
Cocoa Paste (HS 1803)
Cocoa Powder (HS 1805)
The data below focuses on where this value-added trade originates, contrasting the regional export value of Processed Products (HS 1803-1806) with the export value of Raw Beans (HS 1801).
Export Value of High-Value Cocoa Products by Region (2023)
| Region / Economic Bloc | Processed Products (HS 1803-1806) Export Value (Billions USD) | Raw Beans (HS 1801) Export Value (Billions USD) | Primary Value-Capture Role |
| Europe (EU/EFTA) | ~$27.7 Billion | ~$0.9 Billion | Global Processing & Manufacturing |
| Sub-Saharan Africa | ~$3.8 Billion | ~$8.5 Billion | Raw Commodity Supplier |
| Asia & Oceania | ~$1.8 Billion | ~$0.8 Billion | Intermediate Processing Hub |
| North America | ~$2.0 Billion | ~$0.1 Billion | Finished Goods Exporter |
| South America | ~$0.4 Billion | ~$1.2 Billion | Raw Commodity & Fine Flavor |
Note: Figures are based on 2023 UN Comtrade data and trade estimates, highlighting the significant split between raw and processed exports. Raw bean exports are estimated at approximately $9.91 Billion globally, while Finished Chocolate (HS 1806) trade alone is estimated at $36.9 Billion.
🔎 Regional Analysis of Value Capture
1. Europe: The Unmatched Value Leader
Europe dominates the export of high-value cocoa commodities, primarily due to its massive, long-established chocolate manufacturing sector.
The vast majority of its cocoa-related exports fall under HS 1806 (Finished Chocolate), which commands the highest prices.
The region imports raw beans (a lower-value input) and exports finished chocolate (a high-value output), securing the largest share of the commodity's total value chain.
Key countries include Germany (a top exporter of chocolate) and the Netherlands (a top exporter of cocoa butter and semi-finished goods).
2. Sub-Saharan Africa: Emerging Processors
While the region's overall export value is still dominated by Raw Cocoa Beans (HS 1801), countries like Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana are making strategic efforts to increase local grinding and processing capacity.
Their processed exports ($3.8 Billion) are significant and include essential intermediate products like Cocoa Butter (HS 1804) and Cocoa Paste (HS 1803).
This transition towards greater processing helps producers capture more value, but the scale is still dwarfed by European finished goods exports.
3. Asia & Oceania: Intermediate Processing Hubs
This region, led by countries like Indonesia and Malaysia, is a major hub for intermediate processing.
They often import raw beans and specialize in producing high-value inputs like Cocoa Butter ($5.96 Billion global trade) and Cocoa Paste, which are then sold to manufacturers in Europe and North America.
This positioning allows them to capture value beyond the raw bean without moving into final chocolate manufacturing.
🎯 Conclusion: The Price of Processing
The UN Comtrade data demonstrates that the High-Value Commodity trade in cocoa is overwhelmingly concentrated in Europe. The price difference between raw cocoa beans (the African export focus) and finished chocolate (the European export focus) is the primary driver of this economic disparity.
The key to higher export value lies in the level of processing: the transition from a Raw Commodity to a Processed Ingredient and finally to a Manufactured Good exponentially increases the price and, consequently, the export revenue captured by the region performing that final transformation.
.jpg "UN Comtrade: Top Exporters of High-Value Cocoa Commodities by Country (2023)")
🥇 UN Comtrade: Top Exporters of High-Value Cocoa Commodities by Country (2023)
The term "High-Value Commodity" in the cocoa category refers to products that have been significantly processed from the raw cocoa bean, leading to a much higher price per unit and, consequently, a greater share of the final export revenue. These products are primarily finished chocolate (HS 1806), cocoa butter (HS 1804), cocoa paste (HS 1803), and cocoa powder (HS 1805).
The following table breaks down the leading global exporters in these high-value categories, clearly demonstrating the economic divide between the agricultural producers and the industrial processors.
Top Countries for High-Value Cocoa Exports (HS 1803-1806) in 2023
| Rank | Country | Primary High-Value Export Focus | Estimated Value of Finished Chocolate (HS 1806) Export | Estimated Value of Cocoa Butter (HS 1804) Export | Primary Role in Value Chain |
| 1 | Germany | Finished Chocolate | $6.26 Billion | $547 Million | Manufacturing & Processing |
| 2 | Netherlands | Cocoa Butter & Finished Goods | $1.86 Billion | $1.74 Billion | Processing Hub & Re-Exporter |
| 3 | Belgium | Finished Chocolate | $4.09 Billion | $324 Million* | Manufacturing Specialist |
| 4 | Côte d'Ivoire | Raw Beans & Cocoa Butter | $68 Million* | $715 Million | Primary Producer & Grinder |
| 5 | Italy | Finished Chocolate | $2.74 Billion | N/A | Manufacturing Specialist |
Note: Values are based on 2023 UN Comtrade data for specific Harmonized System (HS) codes. Totals may not reflect the sum of all high-value codes. The value for Côte d'Ivoire is dominated by Cocoa Butter/Paste, while European countries are dominated by finished chocolate.
🔎 Country-Specific Value-Capture Strategies
The data reveals two distinct strategies for generating high export value in the cocoa sector:
1. The Manufacturing Dominance (Germany, Belgium, Italy)
These European nations focus on exporting Finished Chocolate (HS 1806). Since the chocolate bar includes the highest labor, branding, and packaging costs, it commands the highest price point in the entire cocoa supply chain.
Germany leads globally, leveraging its strong processing base and sophisticated confectionery industry to turn imported semi-finished goods into billions in export revenue.
Belgium and Italy are world-renowned for their premium chocolate manufacturing, enabling them to achieve high export values even with smaller production volumes than mass-market producers.
2. The Processing & Grinding Hubs (Netherlands, Côte d'Ivoire, Indonesia)
These countries specialize in the intermediate high-value products—mostly Cocoa Butter and Cocoa Paste, which are used as ingredients for chocolate elsewhere.
The Netherlands' strength is not just in manufacturing but in its role as the gateway for raw beans to Europe, maintaining massive grinding facilities to produce and export Cocoa Butter ($1.74 Billion in 2023) to nearby European chocolate factories.
Côte d'Ivoire and other producer nations (like Indonesia) are making significant strides in local grinding, exporting hundreds of millions of dollars in Cocoa Butter. This represents an attempt by producers to capture more of the value that historically flowed only to Europe.
🎯 Conclusion: The Price of Processing
The UN Comtrade data clearly illustrates that the greatest economic gain in the cocoa trade is secured by the countries that perform the final manufacturing.
While primary producing nations like Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana lead the world in raw cocoa bean exports, Germany and the Netherlands lead the world in high-value cocoa exports by exporting the finished product (chocolate) and intermediate products (cocoa butter/paste). This concentration of value-added manufacturing in Europe is the defining feature of the modern cocoa trade, reinforcing the challenge for producer nations to move up the value chain.
