Spices; cloves (whole fruit, cloves and stems), neither crushed nor ground

HS code 090710 covers the trade of whole, uncrushed, and unground cloves, which are an important spice used in a variety of culinary and medicinal applications worldwide. As a key ingredient in many traditional cuisines, the global clove market plays a significant role in the broader spice trade industry, valued at over $20 billion annually and expected to grow steadily in the coming years.

Cloves are the dried flower buds of the evergreen Syzygium aromaticum tree. The buds are harvested by hand when they are a reddish-brown color, then dried in the sun or using artificial drying methods. This process preserves the essential oils that give cloves their distinctive aroma and flavor. The dried whole cloves are then sorted, graded, and packaged for distribution and sale.

The primary inputs for the clove industry are the Syzygium aromaticum trees, which are cultivated in tropical regions such as Indonesia, Madagascar, and Tanzania. Clove production also requires basic agricultural equipment for harvesting and drying, as well as packaging materials. Labor is a significant input, as the harvesting process is largely manual.

The primary output of HS code 090710 is whole, unground cloves, which are used as a spice in cooking, baking, and various food and beverage products. Cloves are also used in the production of essential oils and in traditional medicine and aromatherapy. The outputs of 090710 may be consumed by industries covered under other HS codes, such as 090700 Spices.