Yams trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in yams was worth $252.9 million in 2024, about 187.4 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 65% since 2017, and up 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 | $252.9M | 187.4K t |
| 2023 | $226.4M | 162.1K t |
| 2022 | $198.0M | 160.7K t |
| 2021 | $191.1M | 165.8K t |
| 2020 | $183.8M | 151.0K t |
| 2019 | $166.9M | 140.9K t |
| 2018 | $158.3M | 137.2K t |
| 2017 | $153.3M | 113.7K t |
Top yams exporting countries
Exports are led by Ghana (25%), Jamaica (21%) and China (11%). 100 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 57%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Ghana | $63.5M | 25% |
| Jamaica | $53.6M | 21% |
| China | $27.3M | 11% |
| Japan | $20.7M | 8.2% |
| Costa Rica | $18.2M | 7.2% |
| United States | $17.9M | 7.1% |
| Colombia | $11.4M | 4.5% |
| Brazil | $10.9M | 4.3% |
| India | $6.6M | 2.6% |
| Vietnam | $4.1M | 1.6% |
| Cote d'Ivoire | $3.0M | 1.2% |
| Italy | $1.9M | 0.8% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The United States is the biggest buyer with 48% of world imports, ahead of Canada and the United Kingdom. Demand is concentrated: the top three take 69% across 136 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $121.3M | 48% |
| Canada | $33.7M | 13% |
| United Kingdom | $20.7M | 8.2% |
| Taiwan | $12.1M | 4.8% |
| France | $11.9M | 4.7% |
| Japan | $7.8M | 3.1% |
| Netherlands | $7.6M | 3% |
| Malaysia | $5.4M | 2.2% |
| Singapore | $5.1M | 2% |
| United Arab Emirates | $3.9M | 1.5% |
| Mali | $2.9M | 1.2% |
| South Africa | $2.2M | 0.9% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $1.35 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Jamaica averaged $3.05 per kg and Ghana $1.13 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.
Related product types
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 0714.30: Vegetable roots and tubers: yams (Dioscorea spp.) with high starch or inulin content, fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, whether or not sliced or in the form of pellets. HS 0714 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most yams?
Ghana exported $63.5 million in 2024, 25% of the world total, followed by Jamaica (21%) and China (11%). In all, 100 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most yams?
The United States imported $121.3 million in 2024, 48% of world imports, ahead of Canada (13%) and the United Kingdom (8%). The top three importers together take 69%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in yams?
It was worth $252.9 million in 2024, about 187.4 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 65% since 2017. 2024 was the highest year since 2017. 100 countries reported exports and 136 reported imports.
What is the average price of yams per kg?
The world average declared value was about $1.35 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Jamaica averaged $3.05 per kg and Ghana $1.13 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 yams?
The HS code for yams is subheading 0714.30, in chapter 07 (vegetables and certain roots and tubers; edible). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 0714 page.
How can I find yams 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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