United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database(UN COMTRADE): Food and Live Animals Classification(SITC 0)

 

United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database: SITC 0 (Food and Live Animals) Classification

The Standard International Trade Classification (SITC) is a product classification maintained by the United Nations (UN), used globally for compiling and comparing international merchandise trade statistics (exports and imports). The data is often accessible through the UN Commodity Trade Statistics Database (UN Comtrade).

The classification is structured into a nested hierarchy, typically using a one-digit code for the broadest sections, and up to a five-digit code for the most detailed basic headings.

The Significance of Section 0

Section 0 of the SITC is titled "Food and Live Animals" and is fundamental for analyzing global trade in primary and processed agricultural and animal products meant for consumption.

Trade data categorized under SITC 0 provides crucial insights into:

• Food security and global supply chains.

• The trade balance of agricultural products for individual countries.

• The economic importance of primary and processed food industries.

🍽️ Divisions of SITC Section 0

SITC Section 0 is broken down into ten divisions (two-digit codes), which categorize the major types of food and live animals traded internationally.

SITC Code	Division Description	Key Contents
00	Live Animals (Other than Fish)	Live bovine animals, sheep, goats, swine, poultry, etc., chiefly for food.
01	Meat and Meat Preparations	Fresh, chilled, frozen, salted, dried, smoked, and prepared/preserved meat and edible offal.
02	Dairy Products and Birds' Eggs	Milk, cream (fresh, condensed, or dried), butter, cheese, curd, and birds' eggs.
03	Fish, Crustaceans, Molluscs and Aquatic Invertebrates, and Preparations Thereof	Fish (fresh, frozen, dried, or smoked), crustaceans, molluscs, and prepared/preserved seafood.
04	Cereals and Cereal Preparations	Unmilled cereals (wheat, rice, maize, barley, etc.), cereal meals and flours, and cereal preparations.
05	Vegetables and Fruit	Fresh, chilled, frozen, or preserved vegetables, edible roots and tubers, and fresh or dried fruit and nuts.
06	Sugars, Sugar Preparations and Honey	Sugars, molasses, natural honey, and sugar confectionery (non-chocolate).
07	Coffee, Tea, Cocoa, Spices, and Manufactures Thereof	Coffee and substitutes, cocoa, chocolate preparations, tea, maté, and spices.
08	Feeding Stuff for Animals (Not Including Unmilled Cereals)	Hay, fodder, unmilled grain, milling residues, and other prepared animal feed.
09	Miscellaneous Edible Products and Preparations	Margarine, shortening, and other edible products and preparations not elsewhere specified (n.e.s.).

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Classification Hierarchy and Detail

The SITC utilizes a hierarchical structure, allowing trade analysts to examine data at different levels of detail:

1. Section (1-digit): E.g., 0 (Food and Live Animals)

2. Division (2-digit): E.g., 04 (Cereals and Cereal Preparations)

3. Group (3-digit): E.g., 041 (Wheat and meslin, unmilled)

4. Subgroup (4-digit): E.g., 041.1 (Durum wheat, unmilled)

5. Basic Heading (5-digit): E.g., 041.10 (Durum wheat, unmilled)

For instance, following a commodity through Section 0:

• The broad category is Food and Live Animals (0).

• A specific category within that is Vegetables and Fruit (05).

• A more detailed category is Fruit and Nuts, Fresh or Dried (057).

• This could lead to a specific item like Apples, Fresh (057.40) (SITC Rev. 3/4 example).

Use in Trade Analysis

By classifying commodities in this way, the UN Comtrade database enables:

• Standardization: Allowing countries to report trade data using a common language.

• Trend Analysis: Monitoring long-term changes in the composition of trade, such as the shift from raw agricultural goods to processed food preparations.

• Policy Formulation: Providing governments and international bodies with the data needed to negotiate trade agreements, manage food supplies, and address market distortions.

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⭐ Conclusion

SITC Section 0, "Food and Live Animals," serves as a critical framework for understanding the global trade landscape of essential consumption items. Its detailed, hierarchical structure, accessible through databases like UN Comtrade, ensures that trade data on everything from live cattle to processed coffee is standardized and comparable across nations and over time. This standardization is vital for international organizations, governments, and researchers who rely on this information to track global food security, monitor agricultural market trends, and formulate effective trade and development policies. The continuous use and maintenance of SITC 0 underpin sound, data-driven decision-making in the complex global food economy.

United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database: Live Animals Division 

The United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database (UN Comtrade) serves as a critical resource for understanding global commerce, detailing the flow of merchandise trade between countries. Within this vast database, the Live Animals division (Harmonized System - HS Chapter 01) tracks the international trade of living creatures—ranging from essential livestock to pure-bred breeding stock and other animals.

🐴 The Dynamics of Live Animal Trade

Trade in live animals is a significant, complex, and often debated segment of the global economy. It is driven by various factors, primarily:

• Food Security and Consumption: The trade in livestock (cattle, swine, poultry, sheep, and goats) for slaughter or further rearing is central to meeting global meat and dairy demands, especially in regions with rising consumption.

• Breeding and Genetics: The exchange of high-value, pure-bred breeding animals is crucial for improving and diversifying national livestock herds, boosting productivity and resilience.

• Animal Welfare and Health: This trade is under intense scrutiny due to welfare concerns regarding long-distance transport. Furthermore, the international movement of live animals necessitates strict adherence to sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures to prevent the spread of animal diseases, a major non-tariff barrier to trade.

Data from UN Comtrade, particularly when analyzed over time, reveals shifting global trade patterns. For instance, studies examining UN Comtrade data have highlighted the significant growth in the trade of live pigs and poultry in previous decades. Geographically, Europe often emerges as a major hub for both importing and exporting several livestock species, while regions like Asia frequently drive the import demand for species like buffaloes, goats, and sheep.

📊 Key Categories in the Live Animals Division

The Live Animals division (HS Chapter 01) encompasses several distinct categories, each with its own trade dynamics, value, and volume. The table below illustrates the primary categories tracked under this division, reflecting the granular level of detail available in the UN Comtrade database (Note: Values are illustrative and derived from general data patterns, not specific recent aggregates):

HS Code	Commodity Description	Primary Trade Driver	Illustrative Global Trade Value (Annual, US$ Billions)	Key Trading Species
0101	Live horses, asses, mules and hinnies	Racing, breeding, leisure, meat	$0.8 - $1.5	Horses (especially for breeding/sport)
0102	Live bovine animals	Meat production, breeding, dairy	$5.0 - $8.0	Cattle, Buffaloes
0103	Live swine	Meat production, breeding	$1.5 - $3.0	Pigs
0104	Live sheep and goats	Meat, milk, breeding	$0.5 - $1.2	Sheep, Goats
0105	Live poultry	Meat production, eggs, breeding	$2.5 - $4.0	Chickens, Ducks, Turkeys
0106	Other live animals	Exotic pets, zoo animals, scientific use, insects, reptiles	$0.4 - $0.8	Primates, Reptiles, Insects, Others

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📈 The Broader Context

While the volume and value of live animal trade are substantial, it also interacts closely with the trade in meat and edible meat offal (HS Chapter 02). For many countries, importing live animals for domestic slaughter is a preference dictated by supply chain, religious, or economic reasons, as opposed to importing processed meat products.

The reliability and continuous updating of the UN Comtrade database remain essential for policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders. This data provides the foundation for analyzing market access, assessing the impact of disease outbreaks on trade, and formulating international agreements related to food safety and animal welfare.

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United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database: Dairy Products and Birds' Eggs Division

The Harmonized System (HS) Chapter 04, as compiled by the United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database (UN Comtrade), details the international commerce of Dairy Products; Birds' Eggs; Natural Honey; and Edible Products of Animal Origin, not elsewhere specified or included. This division represents a substantial and complex segment of the global food trade, driven by consumer demand, varying production efficiencies, and strict food safety regulations.

🐄 The Dynamics of Dairy and Egg Trade

Trade within HS Chapter 04 is characterized by several key dynamics:

• Commodity Specificity: The trade is highly segmented. Products like Milk Powder (HS 0402) and Cheese (HS 0406) often command the highest trade values due to their long shelf life, ease of transport, and global demand as ingredients or consumer goods.

• Safety and Regulation: Dairy and egg products are subject to some of the most rigorous Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures globally. Trade flows are frequently influenced by non-tariff barriers related to health and food safety standards, particularly concerning potential outbreaks of animal diseases.

• Global Export Hubs: A few major producing regions, notably the European Union, New Zealand, Australia, and the United States, dominate the world export market for many key dairy products, exporting to deficit regions, particularly in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

• Egg Product Specialization: While whole, fresh eggs are traded, a significant portion of the egg trade involves processed egg products (HS 0408) like dried or frozen egg yolks/whites, catering to the industrial food service and manufacturing sectors.

🥚 Key Categories in the Dairy Products and Birds' Eggs Division

The following table breaks down the main headings within HS Chapter 04, illustrating the diversity and specialization of the products tracked by UN Comtrade. Global trade values for the entire chapter typically run into the tens of billions of US dollars annually.

HS Code	Commodity Description	Primary Product Focus	Major Trade Format
0401	Milk and cream, not concentrated or containing added sweeteners	Liquid Milk	Fluid (often UHT or chilled)
0402	Milk and cream, concentrated or containing added sweeteners	Milk Powder, Condensed Milk	Powder (Skimmed/Full Cream), Canned/Tubes
0403	Buttermilk, curdled milk/cream, yogurt, kephir, fermented or acidified milk	Fermented Dairy Products	Ready-to-eat, or bulk ingredients
0404	Whey and modified whey; natural milk constituents	Whey Protein, Lactose	Powder, Ingredients for food/feed
0405	Butter and other fats and oils derived from milk; dairy spreads	Butter, Ghee, Dairy Spreads	Blocks, Tubs, Bulk
0406	Cheese and curd	Hard, Soft, Processed Cheeses, Curd	Wheels, Blocks, Shredded, Powdered
0407	Birds' eggs, in shell, fresh, preserved or cooked	Table Eggs, Hatching Eggs	Fresh (Cartons), Fertilized (Incubation)
0408	Birds' eggs, not in shell, and egg yolks	Egg Yolks, Liquid Eggs, Egg Powder	Dried, Frozen, Liquid (Industrial Use)
0409	Natural honey	Honey, in its natural state	Jars, Drums, Bulk
0410	Edible products of animal origin, n.e.s.	Edible insects, other specialized products	Dried, Prepared (Niche Markets)

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🌍 Trade Impact and Future Trends

The analysis of UN Comtrade data for Chapter 04 is vital for understanding global food security and market volatility. Changes in major exporting countries' production (e.g., due to weather, policy, or disease outbreaks) can rapidly shift global prices.

Future trends in this sector, visible through detailed trade data, include:

• Increased demand for value-added products (e.g., specialty cheeses and whey protein) in emerging markets.

• The growing significance of HS 0410 (Edible products of animal origin, n.e.s.) as markets for novel protein sources, such as edible insects, expand.

• Enhanced focus on sustainability and origin traceability, which influences consumer preference and subsequently trade patterns.

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🎯 Concluding Thoughts on the Dairy Products and Birds' Eggs Division (HS Chapter 04)

The structured breakdown of the Dairy Products and Birds' Eggs Division (HS Chapter 04) within the UN Comtrade database reveals a highly segmented and essential sector of global trade.

The categories, ranging from basic commodities like liquid milk (HS 0401) and table eggs (HS 0407) to specialized ingredients like whey protein (HS 0404) and dried egg yolks (HS 0408), demonstrate that this trade is not merely about moving foodstuffs, but about supplying key inputs for the global food manufacturing and processing industries.

Furthermore, this chapter underscores the paramount importance of processing and regulation. Products like Milk Powder (HS 0402) and various Cheeses (HS 0406) command high trade values precisely because concentration and preservation techniques allow them to bypass the logistical constraints of perishability. Consequently, trade flows in HS Chapter 04 are inextricably linked to stringent Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) compliance, reflecting international commitments to food safety.

In sum, the classification within Chapter 04 provides analysts and policymakers with the precise tools needed to measure market trends, monitor compliance, and ensure the stable flow of these high-value, highly regulated, and essential components of the world's diet and industrial food supply chain.

United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database-Fish, Crustaceans, Molluscs and Aquatic Invertebrates, and Preparations Thereof

The global export value for the core category of aquatic products (HS Chapter 03 and Chapter 16 products, often reported together) reached approximately USD 182 - 195 billion in 2023, though the total for the year saw a slight decline from the record high of 2022.

The data below focuses on the high-level Harmonized System (HS) classifications and specific commodity groups, which are the basis for the UN Comtrade Division.

📊 UN Comtrade Aquatic Products Division: Global Export Value by Product (2023)

The following table breaks down the global export value of aquatic products, primarily referencing HS Chapter 03 and Chapter 16 sub-categories, using 2023 data where available (otherwise noted as "approximate").

HS 2-Digit Code / Category	Product Description	Global Export Value (USD Billion) - 2023	Primary Products Traded (HS 4-Digit Level)
HS 03 (Total)	Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates (Raw, Frozen, Dried, etc.)	$\approx 116 - 129$	N/A (Total for Chapter 03)
HS 16 (Aquatic)	Preparations of fish or aquatic invertebrates (Canned, Prepared Meals)	$\approx 53 - 60$	N/A (Portion of Chapter 16)
Fish: Fillets & Meat	Fish fillets and other fish meat (Fresh, Chilled, or Frozen - HS 0304)	$\approx 29.8$	Frozen Fillets (e.g., Salmon, Tilapia, Cod)
Crustaceans	Crustaceans (Live, Fresh, Frozen, Dried - HS 0306)	$\approx 28.2$	Shrimps and Prawns (Dominant product), Lobsters, Crabs
Fish: Frozen (Non-Fillets)	Fish, frozen (excluding fillets/meat - HS 0303)	$\approx 26.2$	Whole Frozen Fish (e.g., Mackerel, Skipjack Tuna)
Preparations of Fish	Fish, prepared or preserved (HS 1604)	$\approx 20 - 30$	Canned Tuna, Canned Salmon, Caviar
Molluscs	Molluscs (Live, Fresh, Frozen, Dried - HS 0307)	$\approx 10 - 15$	Squid, Cuttlefish, Octopus, Scallops, Mussels
Fish: Fresh/Chilled (Non-Fillets)	Fish, fresh or chilled (excluding fillets/meat - HS 0302)	$\approx 10 - 15$	Fresh Salmon, Fresh Tuna

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💡 Key Insights from the 2023 Trade Data

• Dominance of Processing: When combining the value of the top raw material sub-categories (Fillets and Crustaceans) with the value of Chapter 16 (Preparations), it is clear that processed and frozen forms of aquatic products dominate global trade by value, reflecting consumer demand for convenience and long-distance supply chains.

• The Big Three Commodities: At the granular level, Fish Fillets (primarily salmon, whitefish), Crustaceans (primarily shrimp/prawns), and Frozen Whole Fish represent the largest individual product groups traded globally.

• Top Exporters: The global trade is heavily influenced by a few major players. In 2023, the largest exporters of the overall aquatic products division (HS 03) were:

  1. Norway ($\approx \$14.9 - 15.4$ billion)

  2. China ($\approx \$9.2 - 10.4$ billion)

  3. Ecuador ($\approx \$7.5$ billion)

• Top Importers: The largest consumer markets driving this trade by import value were:

  1. United States ($\approx \$20.4 - 21$ billion)

  2. China ($\approx \$16.9 - 18.7$ billion)

  3. Japan ($\approx \$9.3 - 10$ billion)

The UN Comtrade database continues to be the definitive source for tracking these flows, providing the necessary detail for managing this vital global resource.

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United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database (UN Comtrade) - Cereals and Cereal Preparations

The trade of "Cereals and Cereal Preparations" is a cornerstone of global food security and the world economy. The United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database (UN Comtrade) serves as the primary resource for tracking these flows, offering detailed annual trade statistics reported by nearly 200 countries. This commodity group encompasses both raw grains and processed food items, providing a crucial lens through which to view international agricultural market dynamics.

📊 Key Commodity Groups and Trade Value

The "Cereals and Cereal Preparations" aggregate is typically broken down into several major categories within international trade classifications (like the Harmonized System or SITC). The table below illustrates the typical structure and representative export values (in USD) for these key groups, based on global trade data for a recent year (using the most recent aggregated data available from relevant UN and FAO reports).

Commodity Group (SITC Code 04 / HS Chapters 10 & 19)	Primary Components	Estimated Global Export Value (Recent Year*)	Significance in Global Trade
I. Cereals (HS Chapter 10)	Wheat, Maize (Corn), Rice, Barley, Rye, Oats, Sorghum.	$180 - $220 Billion	Represents the bulk of raw grain trade; crucial for staple food and animal feed.
II. Flours, Groats, Meal, & Pellets (HS Chapter 11)	Cereal flours (e.g., wheat flour), malt, starches, wheat gluten.	$30 - $40 Billion	Intermediate products for baking, brewing, and industrial use.
III. Cereal & Milk Preparations (HS Chapter 19)	Bread, pastry, biscuits, pasta, breakfast cereals, prepared foods of cereals.	$70 - $90 Billion	Finished, value-added food products; significant for consumer markets.
Total Cereals and Cereal Preparations		$\approx $280 - $350 Billion+	Total value highlights the massive scale of the global cereal market.

*Note: The figures are approximate, based on extrapolated aggregated data from UN Comtrade, FAO, and related trade reports, and represent the high-level global export value for a typical recent year. Exact, real-time figures require direct querying of the UN Comtrade database for a specific year, reporter, and trade flow.

📈 Trade Dynamics and Importance

1. Staple Commodities Dominate: The largest segment by value is consistently raw Cereals (HS Chapter 10), with wheat, maize, and rice being the most heavily traded. Fluctuations in their prices and volumes are primary drivers of the overall trade value for the entire group.

2. Value-Added Products: Cereal and Milk Preparations (HS Chapter 19), while lower in volume than raw grains, represent the processed, higher-value end of the trade. This category reflects the global industrialization of food production and consumer demand for ready-to-eat and prepared food items.

3. Global Supply Chains: The trade in cereals and cereal preparations involves complex global supply chains, from major agricultural exporters (e.g., the United States, Brazil, Russia, EU countries) to net-importing regions in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, where these commodities are essential for food security.

4. Policy and Market Impact: Data from UN Comtrade is vital for governments, international organizations (like the FAO and WTO), and market analysts to monitor global food supplies, assess the impact of trade policies (e.g., tariffs, export restrictions), and predict price volatility.

The UN Comtrade database, by offering data at a granular (HS 6-digit) level, allows for deep dives into specific products, like trade in durum wheat, corn flakes, or specialized flours, enabling detailed analysis beyond these broad groupings.

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United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database (UN Comtrade) - Vegetables and Fruit

The global trade in Vegetables and Fruit (often classified under SITC code 05 or encompassing HS Chapters 07, 08, and 20) represents one of the most dynamic and valuable sectors of international agricultural commerce. Driven by rising global incomes, shifting dietary habits, and the year-round demand for fresh produce, this commodity group plays a critical role in global nutrition and trade balance.

UN Comtrade tracks these flows using the Harmonized System (HS) codes, which distinguish between fresh/raw products and processed/prepared items. This distinction is crucial for understanding the value-addition that occurs along the supply chain.

💰 Estimated Global Export Value by Group (Latest Available Year)

The following table provides the breakdown of the "Vegetables and Fruit" aggregate, utilizing the primary Harmonized System (HS) chapters and showing the estimated global export value based on aggregated trade data for 2023 (or the latest full year data available from major trade sources, often based on UN Comtrade or FAO statistics).

Commodity Group (HS Chapter)	Primary Components	Estimated Global Export Value (2023*)	Significance in Global Trade
I. Edible Vegetables (HS Chapter 07)	Fresh/chilled/dried vegetables, roots, and tubers (e.g., tomatoes, onions, potatoes, legumes).	$90 - $110 Billion	Represents the significant trade in raw, fresh market vegetables and key staples.
II. Edible Fruit & Nuts (HS Chapter 08)	Fresh/dried fruits and nuts (e.g., bananas, grapes, apples, almonds, coconuts).	$160 - $190 Billion	The largest single category, reflecting high consumer demand for fresh fruit and tree nuts.
III. Prepared Vegetables, Fruit, & Nuts (HS Chapter 20)	Processed, prepared, or preserved goods (e.g., canned vegetables, fruit juices, jams, frozen fruit, and prepared nuts).	$120 - $150 Billion	Captures the high-value manufacturing segment of the food industry.
Total Vegetables and Fruit Aggregate		$\approx $370 - $450 Billion	Total value highlights the massive scale and economic importance of this sector.

*Note: The figures are approximate world export values, derived from comprehensive global trade data for 2023. Precise figures require a specific query of the UN Comtrade database for the "World" reporter and a defined period, as the total aggregate can vary based on reporting scope.

📈 Trade Dynamics and Key Drivers

1. Dominance of Fresh Produce (HS 08): Edible Fruit and Nuts (HS Chapter 08) is typically the largest component by value. Bananas, citrus fruits, grapes, and nuts (like almonds and pistachios) are among the most heavily traded commodities, underscoring the strong global market for high-value fresh and minimally processed goods.

2. Processed Value-Addition (HS 20): The category of Prepared Vegetables, Fruit, & Nuts (HS Chapter 20) demonstrates the importance of the food processing industry. This includes commodities like frozen fruit, vegetable purees, and fruit juices, which allow for trade over longer distances and storage, diversifying the market beyond seasonal constraints.

3. Counter-Seasonal Trade: A significant driver of this trade is the counter-seasonal demand between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Producers in the Southern Hemisphere (e.g., Chile, South Africa, Peru) export fresh fruits and vegetables to major markets in the Northern Hemisphere (e.g., the EU, US, Japan) during the latter's off-season, ensuring a year-round supply.

4. Trade Concentration: While many countries are involved, a high percentage of global fruit and vegetable trade is conducted by a relatively small number of top exporters and importers. Major players like the Netherlands (due to re-export and its advanced greenhouse technology), China, Mexico, Spain, and the United States dominate the export landscape for various categories.

The UN Comtrade database, by tracking these commodities in detail, provides essential metrics for assessing global food consumption trends, managing phytosanitary standards (crucial for fresh produce), and understanding the impact of climate events on supply chains.

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United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database (UN Comtrade) - Sugars, Sugar Preparations and Honey

The commodity group encompassing Sugars, Sugar Preparations and Honey is a vital part of the food and beverage industry, representing a trade flow that fuels both raw commodity markets and the massive processed food sector. In the international trade classification systems, this group is primarily covered by HS Chapter 17.

The global market for these products is subject to high volatility due to agricultural factors (weather, harvests), trade policies (quotas, tariffs), and the strong link to global commodity prices. The data, sourced from UN Comtrade and related trade bodies, provides a clear breakdown of the value between raw ingredients and finished consumer goods.

💰 Estimated Global Export Value by Group (Latest Available Year)

The table below breaks down the total global export value for the main categories within HS Chapter 17 for the latest available full year (2023). The total trade for this aggregate (HS 17) reached approximately $70.2 Billion in 2023.

Commodity Group (HS 4-Digit)	Primary Components	Estimated Global Export Value (2023*)	Significance in Global Trade
1701: Cane/Beet Sugar	Raw sugar (cane and beet), Refined sugar (sucrose).	$40.6 Billion	The dominant segment, representing the massive bulk trade in primary sweetener commodities.
1702: Other Sugars, Syrups & Caramel	Lactose, Maple sugar/syrup, Glucose/Fructose, Artificial honey, Caramel.	$11.2 Billion	Intermediate products for the food industry and specialized natural sweeteners (e.g., maple).
1703: Molasses	Molasses resulting from the extraction or refining of sugar.	$\approx $1.6 - $2.0 Billion	Industrial and feed additive by-products of sugar production.
1704: Sugar Confectionery	Sweets, gums, toffees, boiled sweets (excluding chocolate-covered items).	$16.8 Billion	Value-added consumer goods, reflecting strong retail and consumer demand.
Total Sugars, Sugar Preparations and Honey		$\approx $70.2 Billion	Total world export trade value for HS Chapter 17.

*Note: Figures are world export values for 2023, based on aggregated global trade reports utilizing UN Comtrade data. These values are subject to revision.

📈 Key Trade Dynamics

1. Raw Sugar Dominance: Cane and Beet Sugar (HS 1701) accounts for the majority of the trade value (over 50% in 2023), reflecting its status as a critical global commodity. Trade in this segment is highly concentrated, with a few major producers like Brazil and Thailand dominating exports.

2. The Rise of Confectionery: Sugar Confectionery (HS 1704) holds a significant and growing portion of the total trade value. This segment highlights the global trend toward trading value-added finished products, where factors like branding, packaging, and flavor innovation command higher prices than the raw sugar input.

3. Specialized Syrups: The trade in Other Sugars (HS 1702) includes specialized industrial sweeteners (like glucose and fructose syrups) and natural products (like maple syrup), which are vital ingredients for the global beverage and processed food manufacturing sectors.

4. Trade and Policy: The sugar market is notoriously complex, with trade flows heavily influenced by government intervention, including quotas, tariffs, and subsidies, making the data tracked by UN Comtrade essential for understanding market access and price formation.

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United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database (UN Comtrade) - Coffee, Tea, Cocoa, Spices, and Manufactures Thereof

The commodity group encompassing Coffee, Tea, Cocoa, Spices, and Manufactures Thereof is one of the most culturally significant and politically complex sectors in global trade. It involves a fundamental split between raw commodities (HS Chapter 09 & 18), which primarily flow from developing tropical countries, and high-value processed goods (HS Chapters 18 & 21), often exported by industrialized nations.

The data, sourced from UN Comtrade and related trade aggregators, provides a critical view of the value distribution within this sector, highlighting the large premiums captured by processing and manufacturing.

💰 Estimated Global Export Value by Group (Latest Available Year)

The following table breaks down the total global export value for the main categories within this aggregate for the latest available full year (2023). Note that the total aggregate value is higher than the sum of raw commodities alone due to the inclusion of highly processed products.

Commodity Group (HS Chapter/Category)	Primary Components	Estimated Global Export Value (2023*)	Significance in Global Trade
I. Coffee, Tea & Spices (HS Chapter 09)	Coffee (green, roasted), Tea (black, green), Pepper, Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg, Cardamom, Vanilla.	$\approx $54 - $64 Billion	Represents the core trade in raw, unprocessed commodities. Coffee is the single largest component by value.
II. Cocoa Beans (HS Chapter 18, 1801/1802)	Raw cocoa beans (whole or broken).	$\approx $8 - $10 Billion	Trade in the key raw material for chocolate manufacturing.
III. Cocoa Preparations (HS Chapter 18, exc. 1801/1802)	Cocoa paste, cocoa butter, cocoa powder, and Chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa (1806).	$\approx $40 - $45 Billion	Captures the massive value of the global chocolate and processed cocoa market.
IV. Coffee/Tea Extracts & Preparations (HS Chapter 21, 2101)	Instant coffee, coffee extracts, tea extracts, flavored beverage powders.	$\approx $10 - $12 Billion	Value-added products reflecting consumer preference for convenience (e.g., instant drinks, pods).
Total Major Components		$\approx $112 - $131 Billion	Total world export trade value for these combined major groups.

*Note: Figures are world export values for 2023, based on aggregated global trade reports utilizing UN Comtrade data for the respective HS Chapters. Exact figures vary based on specific reporting countries and methodologies, especially for highly processed goods across Chapters 18 and 21.

📈 Key Trade Dynamics and Value Chain

1. Raw Commodity Value (HS 09): Coffee is the dominant product in the raw commodities section (HS 09), accounting for the largest share of the value in this chapter. This value is heavily concentrated in a few origin countries like Brazil, Vietnam, and Colombia.

2. The Processing Premium: The most striking dynamic is the contrast between the value of raw materials and finished products:

   • Raw Cocoa Beans (HS 1801/1802): Trade at roughly $8-$10 Billion.

   • Finished Chocolate (HS 1806) & Preparations: Trade at well over $40 Billion. This four- to five-fold difference illustrates the massive value-add captured by processing countries (e.g., Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, USA) rather than the origin countries in West Africa and South America.

3. Specialized Market for Spices: The spices segment (HS 09, excluding coffee/tea) is highly fragmented but critical for niche, high-value flavorings, with global trade driven by culinary and pharmaceutical demand.

4. Instant and Prepared Drinks (HS 21): The growing trade in instant and concentrated forms of coffee and tea reflects modern consumer trends toward convenience. This trade is dominated by advanced food manufacturers that handle the complex processes of extraction and preparation.

The UN Comtrade database allows analysts to track these dual flows—raw materials from the Global South and finished goods from the Global North—which is essential for understanding global wealth distribution and the impact of fair trade initiatives.

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United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database (UN Comtrade) - Feeding Stuff for Animals

The trade in Feeding Stuff for Animals is a massive and essential component of the global agricultural supply chain, directly supporting the livestock and aquaculture industries. This category, primarily classified under HS Chapter 23, includes everything from highly processed pet foods to industrial by-products used for livestock feed.

The value of this trade is driven by the global demand for animal protein (meat, dairy, eggs), the need for specialized nutrition in modern farming, and the growing market for companion animal care. UN Comtrade data reflects the international flow of both low-value bulk feed ingredients and high-value, processed feed preparations.

💰 Estimated Global Export Value by Group (Latest Available Year)

The table below breaks down the total global export value for the main categories within Feeding Stuff for Animals (HS Chapter 23), based on aggregated global trade data for 2023.

Commodity Group (HS 4-Digit Code)	Primary Components	Estimated Global Export Value (2023*)	Significance in Global Trade
2309: Prepared Animal Food	Dog/cat food (retail), Animal feed preparations (compound feed, concentrates, pellets, supplements, etc.).	$\approx $44.2 Billion	The most significant category, covering high-value, formulated, and ready-to-use feed for both pets and livestock.
2304: Oil-Cake of Soya-Bean	Solid residues (meal) from the extraction of soybean oil.	N/A (Often aggregated separately in oilseed analysis, but a key input for 2309)	Crucial high-protein, bulk ingredient for livestock feed globally.
2306: Oil-Cake of Other Seeds	Solid residues from the extraction of sunflower, cotton, rape, or linseed oil.	N/A (Key inputs for 2309)	Essential protein sources, traded in bulk for industrial feed manufacturing.
2302/2303/2305/2307/2308: Various Residues	Bran, sharps, flour milling residues, beet-pulp, brewers' dregs, bone meal, etc.	N/A (Lower value bulk commodities)	Low-cost, high-volume by-products used to bulk out and enrich various feed formulas.
Total Major Prepared Feed (HS 2309)		$\approx $44.2 Billion	Total world export value for the key prepared feed and pet food sector.

*Note: The figure for HS 2309 represents the highly processed "Animal Food" sector. The total value for the entire HS Chapter 23 (which includes all oil-cakes, residues, and by-products) is significantly higher but the value of the prepared feeds (2309) is generally tracked as the core 'Feeding Stuff for Animals' trade. Data is based on aggregated global trade reports for 2023.

📈 Key Trade Dynamics

1. Prepared Feed Dominance (HS 2309): The largest share of the tracked value comes from Prepared Animal Food (HS 2309), which itself is dominated by two major sub-groups:

   • Dog or cat food, put up for retail sale (HS 2309.10): $23.7 Billion

   • Animal feed preparations, N.E.S. (HS 2309.90): $20.5 Billion

2. Pet Food vs. Industrial Feed: The global trade in pet food (HS 2309.10) is extremely valuable, driven by consumer spending in developed markets. Meanwhile, the trade in concentrated compound animal feeds (HS 2309.90) is vital for industrial farming operations worldwide.

3. Intermediate Ingredient Flow: While not all reflected in the single HS 2309 total, the trade of intermediate feed ingredients (like soybean meal, HS 2304) is massive. These high-protein ingredients are exported primarily by major agricultural producers (e.g., Brazil, Argentina, and the US) to be processed into final compound feeds in importing countries (e.g., China, EU nations).

4. Major Exporters: Highly industrialized nations with large food and chemical processing sectors dominate the export of prepared animal feed (HS 2309). In 2023, the leading exporters were Germany, the United States, and the Netherlands.

The UN Comtrade database is crucial for tracking the international flow of protein and energy sources, helping governments and industry manage raw material volatility and ensuring the nutritional security of global livestock and companion animal populations.

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United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database (UN Comtrade) - Miscellaneous Edible Products and Preparations

The category of Miscellaneous Edible Products and Preparations, primarily defined by HS Chapter 21, serves as a crucial umbrella for a vast array of high-value, highly processed, and specialized food items. This group captures the complexity and sophistication of the modern food industry, including everything from convenience foods and seasonings to specialized dietetic preparations.

This chapter is particularly important as it represents goods that have undergone significant manufacturing and value-addition, often resulting in higher trade prices compared to raw agricultural commodities. Global trade in HS Chapter 21 reached approximately $105 Billion in 2023.

💰 Estimated Global Export Value by Group (2023)

The table below breaks down the total global export value for the main categories within Miscellaneous Edible Products and Preparations (HS Chapter 21) for the latest available full year, 2023.

Commodity Group (HS 4-Digit Code)	Primary Components	Estimated Global Export Value (2023*)	Significance in Global Trade
2106: Other Edible Preparations	Food preparations not elsewhere specified or included (e.g., powders for beverages, dietary supplements, prepared mixes, compound alcoholic preparations for beverage manufacturing).	$61.0 Billion	The dominant and broadest category, accounting for over half of the chapter's value, representing high-tech and specialized food industry products.
2103: Sauces and Seasonings	Sauces, preparations thereof (e.g., soy sauce, tomato ketchup, mayonnaise), mixed condiments, mixed seasonings, and prepared mustard.	$18.7 Billion	Reflects the massive global market for flavors, marinades, and prepared convenience ingredients.
2101: Coffee and Tea Extracts	Extracts, essences, and concentrates of coffee, tea, or mate; preparations with a basis of these products (e.g., instant coffee, tea bags, coffee pods).	$10.9 Billion	A high-growth segment driven by consumer demand for convenience and pre-measured beverage solutions.
2105: Ice Cream and Edible Ice	Ice cream and other edible ice, whether or not containing cocoa.	$\approx $8 - $10 Billion	Trade in finished frozen consumer products, often tied to strong cross-border retail supply chains.
2104: Soups and Broths	Soups and broths and preparations therefor; homogenised composite food preparations (e.g., infant food).	$\approx $3 - $4 Billion	Essential trade in shelf-stable foods and specialized nutritional preparations.
2102: Yeasts and Baking Powders	Yeasts (active/inactive); other single-cell micro-organisms, dead; prepared baking powders.	$\approx $3 - $4 Billion	Trade in key industrial and baking ingredients.
Total Miscellaneous Edible Preparations (HS 21)		$\approx $105 Billion	Total world export trade value for this complex, high-value, processed food sector.

*Note: Figures are world export values for 2023, based on aggregated global trade reports utilizing UN Comtrade data for the respective HS 4-digit codes. The total value is the sum for the entire HS Chapter 21.

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📈 Key Trade Dynamics

1. The Catch-All Category (HS 2106): The vast majority of the chapter's value is contained within HS 2106 ("Food preparations not elsewhere specified or included"). This code acts as a repository for complex food science products, including protein powders, non-dairy creamers, vitamin-fortified foods, and proprietary food mixtures, making it a key indicator of food innovation trade.

2. High-Value Exports: Unlike trade in raw commodities, trade in HS Chapter 21 is dominated by industrialized nations with advanced food processing and packaging capabilities. In 2023, the leading global exporters were the United States, Germany, and the Netherlands.

3. Globalized Flavor: The significant value of Sauces and Seasonings (HS 2103) underscores the globalization of cuisine and the demand for pre-made flavor bases, which allow consumers worldwide to easily prepare foreign dishes.

4. Convenience Factor: The high value of Coffee and Tea Extracts (HS 2101) is a clear result of the consumer shift towards fast, easy-to-prepare beverages (e.g., K-Cups, instant powders) in major markets.

The UN Comtrade data for this chapter is crucial for tracking trends in food consumption, nutritional supplements, and the industrial ingredients that underpin the packaged food sector globally.

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Source: UN Comtrade data 2023-2025 depending on the exact current time

Disclaimer: The trade figures are global estimates based mainly on UN Comtrade and other international sources.