Alfalfa seeds trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in alfalfa seeds was worth $297.9 million in 2024, about 86.4 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 4% since 2017, and down 12% on 2023.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
World trade by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $297.9M | 86.4K t |
| 2023 | $339.9M | 85.9K t |
| 2022 | $338.0M | 78.9K t |
| 2021 | $266.0M | 73.7K t |
| 2020 | $263.0M | 90.8K t |
| 2019 | $231.7M | 83.4K t |
| 2018 | $250.4M | 66.9K t |
| 2017 | $286.6M | 65.9K t |
Top alfalfa seeds exporting countries
Exports are led by Canada (21%), Italy (17%) and the United States (17%). 72 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 55%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | $61.5M | 21% |
| Italy | $51.1M | 17% |
| United States | $51.1M | 17% |
| Egypt | $25.7M | 8.6% |
| Australia | $22.4M | 7.5% |
| Germany | $18.5M | 6.2% |
| France | $18.1M | 6.1% |
| Netherlands | $6.7M | 2.2% |
| Poland | $5.4M | 1.8% |
| Serbia | $5.1M | 1.7% |
| Turkey | $4.5M | 1.5% |
| Afghanistan | $3.8M | 1.3% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The largest importers are the United States (11%), Pakistan (9%) and Germany (8%). 129 countries imported it, and the top three take 28% of the value.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $32.8M | 11% |
| Pakistan | $25.9M | 8.7% |
| Germany | $23.4M | 7.9% |
| Italy | $20.1M | 6.8% |
| Netherlands | $13.4M | 4.5% |
| Argentina | $11.7M | 3.9% |
| Romania | $11.5M | 3.9% |
| Belarus | $10.5M | 3.5% |
| Mexico | $10.3M | 3.5% |
| China | $8.8M | 2.9% |
| France | $8.0M | 2.7% |
| Greece | $7.6M | 2.6% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $3.45 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $5.89 per kg and the Netherlands $4.34 per kg, so grade and origin matter.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments worldwide. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in this market?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 1209.21: Seeds of forage plants: lucerne (alfalfa) seeds, of a kind used for sowing. HS 1209 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most alfalfa seeds?
Canada exported $61.5 million in 2024, 21% of the world total, followed by Italy (17%) and the United States (17%). In all, 72 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most alfalfa seeds?
The United States imported $32.8 million in 2024, 11% of world imports, ahead of Pakistan (9%) and Germany (8%). The top three importers together take 28%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in alfalfa seeds?
It was worth $297.9 million in 2024, about 86.4 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 4% since 2017. The peak year was 2023 at $339.9 million. 72 countries reported exports and 129 reported imports.
What is the average price of alfalfa seeds per kg?
The world average declared value was about $3.45 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United States averaged $5.89 per kg and the Netherlands $4.34 per kg, so grade and origin matter. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so treat it as a benchmark, not a quote.
What is the HS code for alfalfa seeds?
The HS code for alfalfa seeds is subheading 1209.21, in chapter 12 (oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruit, industrial or medicinal plants; straw and fodder). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 1209 page.
How can I find alfalfa seeds buyers and suppliers?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX shows the importers and exporters behind this trade from shipment-level customs records, updated weekly, with direct customs feeds and mirror data. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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