Spices · importers
Germany is second of 96 at $6.5B in the chapter that holds spices, and the biggest European gateway for seasoning ingredients.
| Market | HS 09 imports |
|---|---|
| United States | $11.7B |
| France | $4.0B |
| Italy | $3.4B |
| Canada | $2.4B |
| Spain | $2.2B |
Figures are for the whole of HS chapter 09 (coffee, tea, mate and spices). Source: UN Comtrade, as reported by national authorities; latest available year per market.
The United States leads at $11.7B and France follows at $4.0B, so Germany has a firm second place with 9.6% of reported world imports. Food industry demand is a major part of spice buying here: sausage and meat processors, ready-meal makers, snack and sauce producers, and seasoning blenders all use spices in volume.
Industrial users care about repeatability. A blend that tastes the same in March and September is worth more to them than an unusually fine single lot.
Buyers typically issue specifications for moisture, cleanliness, particle size, colour or pungency, and microbiological status, and they test incoming lots. European rules on contaminants, residues and treatment methods are detailed and set by the authorities, so confirm the current position with them and your buyer rather than relying on older guidance.
Trade in whole peppercorns, seeds and dried herbs differs from trade in ground powders, which tend to be more closely scrutinised for authenticity.
The $6.5B covers coffee, tea, mate and spices, and coffee is likely to be the biggest component in a large consumer market. The chapter is 0.5% of Germany’s $1.38T imports and ranks 37th among its import chapters, behind machinery, vehicles and chemicals.
China, the USA, the Netherlands and Poland lead the overall source list, which spans every product. The presence of the Netherlands hints that spices may arrive through Dutch trading houses.
Shipment records for the specific spice headings name consignees and weights. Agree Incoterm, currency, payment terms and port, and use this site’s free marketplace to contact your shortlist.
Second of 96 markets at $6.5B in 2024, a 9.6% share of reported world imports.
Food manufacturers, meat processors, seasoning blenders, retail packers and traders.
No. Coffee, tea and mate are in the same chapter and probably form most of it.
Search shipment records under each spice heading and group by consignee to see who buys regularly.
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