Spices · importers
The Netherlands ranks ninth of 96 at $2.2B in the chapter that contains spices, and it has a long history as a spice-trading gateway for Europe.
| Market | HS 09 imports |
|---|---|
| United States | $11.7B |
| Germany | $6.5B |
| France | $4.0B |
| Italy | $3.4B |
| Canada | $2.4B |
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 Kingdom is above at $2.2B and China below at $2.1B, so the Netherlands sits in a tight cluster with a 3.2% share of reported world imports. The chapter is 0.3% of its $621.1B imports and ranks 48th among import chapters.
Dutch importers include merchants who buy spices from producing countries, clean, grade, sterilise and blend them, and sell on to manufacturers and packers across Europe. A good share of recorded imports therefore leaves again. The figure says more about trade throughput than about domestic use.
For an exporter, a Dutch merchant can be a route to many customers, and a demanding buyer who will check quality closely. Ask how far ahead the merchant plans its purchases, since those who sell to manufacturers on annual contracts buy in a different rhythm from those serving the spot market.
Merchants reselling into Europe need paperwork that satisfies downstream buyers: analysis certificates, origin records and, for some lines, organic or sustainability claims. European contaminant and residue rules are set by the authorities and can change, so confirm the current position with them and with the importer. Germany, the USA, Belgium and China lead the overall source list, which covers all goods.
The $2.2B counts coffee, tea, mate and spices, and re-exports distort rankings in a port economy like this one.
Spice-heading shipment records name consignees and weights. Agree Incoterm, currency, payment terms and port, and reach out through this site’s free marketplace. Merchants often want to see how your product fits their existing customer programmes, so bring a clear grade list.
Ninth of 96 at $2.2B in 2024, a 3.2% share of reported world imports.
No. Much of it is cleaned, blended and sold on to other countries.
No. Coffee, tea and mate are part of the chapter.
Use spice-heading shipment records and separate merchants from manufacturers by consignee.
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