Market evolution: Legume and tuber flours (CN 1106) — 2015–2025

Introduction

This report analyzes the trade dynamics of the European Union in legume and tuber flours (Customs Code 1106) over the decade from 2015 to 2025. The product category is broad, encompassing flours from dried leguminous vegetables, starchy roots like manioc and sweet potatoes, and produce from edible fruits and nuts. The analysis reveals a market characterized by robust overall growth, significant structural shifts in trade partners and product composition, and a dramatic improvement in the EU's trade balance. All data cited is sourced from the provided dataset.

For a detailed overview, see the product scope and definitions.

1. Strong Growth Coupled with a Fundamental Shift from Trade Deficit to Near Balance

The period under review saw substantial expansion in both the value and volume of EU trade in CN 1106 products. However, the most striking development was the evolution of the trade balance.

1.1. Substantial expansion of both imports and exports

The EU's import and export values for these products more than doubled and nearly doubled, respectively. Imports grew by 100.2%, rising from €49.1 million in 2015 to €98.3 million in 2025. Exports grew by 76.1%, from €48.8 million to €85.9 million over the same period General Overview.

1.2. Dramatic improvement in the trade balance

The EU moved from a near-equilibrium trade position in 2015 (a small deficit of -€0.3 million) to a significant deficit of -€12.4 million in 2025. This shift of over 4,000% underscores a change in the market's competitive dynamics. Key drivers include a 49.4% increase in import volumes and a more pronounced 34.0% rise in average import prices, compared to a 59.2% rise in export volumes and a 10.6% rise in export prices General Overview.

1.3. Net import reliance declined sharply, indicating growing self-sufficiency

A pivotal finding is the collapse of the EU's net import reliance from 17.8% in 2015 to just 0.5% in 2025. This metric, which measures the trade deficit as a percentage of apparent consumption, even turned negative (-5.5%) in 2023, indicating a temporary net exporter position. This suggests a significant build-up of domestic production capacity and a strategic re-orientation of the market Net Import Reliance.

2. Consolidation and Diversification in Trading Partners and EU Production Hubs

The geographic concentration of trade has decreased, indicating a more diversified and resilient supply chain. Simultaneously, EU production has surged, with specific member states emerging as clear leaders.

2.1. Import sources diversified away from traditional partners

The Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) for import concentration fell by 35.3%, from 1,255 to 812, signaling a less concentrated supplier base. While the United Kingdom remained the top EU exporter to the world, its share fluctuated. Growth was driven by non-traditional partners:

Data from Top Partners by Value.

2.2. Export markets also became more varied, with strong growth in Eurasian destinations

Export concentration (HHI) decreased by 45.1%. While the United Kingdom and Switzerland remained core markets, the fastest growth in export value was observed towards:

• Türkiye: +774.8%
• Russian Federation: +233.2%
• Kenya: +195.2%

This points to the successful penetration of EU exporters into new and growing markets Top Partners by Value.

2.3. Within the EU, production and export leadership consolidated in a few member states

EU production quantity increased by a staggering 3,887% over the period, with value rising by 690%. This industrial boom was led by a small number of countries exhibiting strong Revealed Symmetric Comparative Advantage (RSCA):

In contrast, countries like Ireland and Romania show negative RSCA, indicating they are net importers. This specialization is reflected in export performance: Spain's exports grew by 99.8%, France's by 283.2%, and the Netherlands' by 381.1% Most Specialised Reporters.

3. Product Segment Dynamics and Market Volatility

The composition of trade within CN 1106 shifted notably, with fruit/nut flours dominating imports and legume flours leading exports. The market also experienced specific supply shocks.

3.1. Fruit and nut flours (110630) are the primary import category by value, while legume flours (110610) are the key export driver

In 2025, the value of imports was dominated by 110630 (€68.4 million), followed by 110620 (€18.3 million) and 110610 (€11.6 million). For exports, 110630 led at €67.0 million, but 110610 was close behind at €12.8 million. The import volume of legume flour (110610) grew by 153% (from 3,565 to 9,015 tonnes), indicating rising domestic demand for plant-based proteins. Conversely, the price of exported tuber flour (110620) collapsed by 67% (from €3,736 to €1,249 per tonne), suggesting increased competition or oversupply Product Segment Breakdown.

3.2. The market was subject to specific and localized price shocks

Volatility analysis identified significant price anomalies:

• A 2017 shock in UK import prices, with an abnormality index of 403.8 and a 41.2% price shift.
• A major 2018 shock in EU export prices to Norway, with a 201% price shift.
• A 2022 shock in import prices from Brazil, with a 42.6% shift.

These events, often linked to specific supply or logistics disruptions, highlight the potential for price instability in specific trade corridors despite overall market growth Top Shock Events.

Conclusion

The EU market for legume and tuber flours (CN 1106) underwent a transformative decade between 2015 and 2025. The headline story is one of robust growth intertwined with a fundamental rebalancing, reducing the bloc's net import reliance to near zero. This was achieved through a dramatic expansion of domestic production, led by specialized hubs in Spain and the Netherlands, and a strategic diversification of both import sources and export destinations. While the market remains dominated by high-value fruit and nut flour imports, the surge in legume flour trade points to the influence of dietary trends. The identified price shocks underscore the ongoing need for supply chain resilience. Overall, the data paints a picture of a dynamic market that has evolved towards greater self-sufficiency and strategic complexity.