Product intelligence · HS 121292 · 2024 data

Locust beans (carob): fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground

Global exports of locust beans (carob): fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground totalled $51,617,551 in 2024, a +45.0% change from the previous year. Traded by 83 countries across 655 bilateral corridors, with demand from 112 importing markets. The long-term trend is declining.

Data: OECD BIMTS · Coverage: 19952024 · Updated: 2026-07-17

Global trade

$51.6M

+45.0% YoY

3Y / 5Y CAGR

-6.3%

5Y: +8.2%

Supply structure

Moderately concentrated

HHI 0.200

Volatility

Medium

Score 45/100

1.

Market movement

In 2024, locust beans (carob): fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground trade exhibited strong growth, with global flows reaching $51,617,551 and a three-year compound annual growth rate of -6.3% (five-year: +8.2%). The all-time peak of $118,001,581 was recorded in 2005; the current level is 56% below that high-water mark.

Over the 30-year observation window (19952024), 66% of years recorded positive growth, indicating a predominantly expanding market. Trend momentum is decelerating (-12.7% acceleration).

The World Trade Flows Characterization classifies locust beans (carob): fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground as "One-way trade" in the unclassified price segment, providing additional context for market positioning and competitive dynamics.

2.

Supply & demand structure

The supply side is moderately concentrated (Herfindahl-Hirschman Index 0.200). The three largest exporters — Morocco ($21.2M), Spain ($9.6M), and Algeria ($6.0M) — collectively dominate supply flows. The leading exporter has grown at -12.3% over the last three years.

On the demand side, importer concentration is diversified (HHI 0.119). The three largest import markets are Italy ($11.6M), Spain ($9.7M), and Morocco ($6.1M). The largest importing market sources from 18 different supplying countries.

The dominant trade corridor is Morocco → Italy at $9.1M, representing 78.2% of the importer's total demand.

3.

Risk profile & trade outlook

The volatility score for locust beans (carob): fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground is 45 out of 100, classified as medium. Trade flows are moderately variable, typical for goods with seasonal or cyclical demand patterns.

For market entrants, strong demand tailwinds create a favourable entry environment. A moderately concentrated market rewards differentiated positioning and strategic partner selection.

Data confidence is rated "High" based on reporting coverage and consistency across OECD member and partner countries.

Historical evidence

Annual trade value 19952024

Peak: $118,001,581 in 2005. Currently 56% below peak.

YearGlobal trade (USD)YoY growth
2015$28,698,659+3.7%
2016$28,193,402-1.8%
2017$26,780,577-5.0%
2018$29,698,604+10.9%
2019$34,745,905+17.0%
2020$45,513,470+31.0%
2021$62,748,180+37.9%
2022$102,950,334+64.1%
2023$35,594,544-65.4%
2024$51,617,551+45.0%

Top exporting countries

Ranked by export value of locust beans (carob): fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground in 2024.

View all 83 exporters →

Top importing markets

Largest import destinations for locust beans (carob): fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground.

View all 112 markets →

Leading trade corridors

Largest bilateral export flows for locust beans (carob): fit for human consumption, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not ground, ranked by value. Click any country to view its full profile.

#ExporterImporterValue 20243Y CAGR
1MoroccoItaly$9.1M+2561.7%
2SpainItaly$1.8M-18.7%
3AlgeriaItaly$235.0K+190.4%
4PortugalItaly$170.7K+24.0%
5GreeceItaly$151.8K+220.3%
6LebanonItaly$117.8K-27.5%
7LibyaItaly$107.5K
8GermanyItaly$97.9K-3.4%

Showing top 8 of 10 corridors with available data for 2024.

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Sources, definitions & methodology

Data source

OECD Bilateral International Merchandise Trade Statistics (BIMTS). Aggregated from 312M+ reported trade records across 200+ countries and 5,300+ HS6 product codes. Coverage: 19952024.

Key indicators

HHI (Herfindahl-Hirschman Index): market concentration, 0 = fully diversified, 1 = single player. CAGR: compound annual growth rate over a stated period. Volatility score: trade value variability, 0–100 scale.

How this page is made

All statistical content on this page is data-driven, composed programmatically from live OECD trade records. No generic AI-generated prose is used. Analytical paragraphs combine real data points with factual interpretation. This page was last refreshed on 2026-07-17.