How to find global buyers for HS 0701, Potatoes, fresh or chilled
HS 0701 reveals real demand for potatoes, fresh or chilled. This guide shows how to map market size and seasonality, identify likely importers, build a segmented target list for seed versus table potatoes, and run evidence based outreach that earns replies.
HS 0701 covers potatoes, fresh or chilled. Using this code correctly reveals where demand is active, which buyers are repeatedly importing, and how to approach them with credible offers that match seasonality, quality grades, and regulatory constraints.
Definitions
HS code is the international customs classification for goods. Digits 1–6 are harmonized worldwide, many countries extend to 8 or 10 digits nationally. HS‑4 is used for market sizing across countries, HS‑6 is used for product fit, duty checks, and activity signals. Average unit value (AUV) is import value divided by quantity for a code, used to sanity check price bands and positioning.
HS 0701 structure
HS 0701 is the heading for potatoes, fresh or chilled. Common subheadings at HS‑6 are:
| HS level | Label | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0701.10 | Seed | Strict phytosanitary controls, certification often mandatory |
| 0701.90 | Other | Table or ware potatoes, typically for food use |
National tariff lines extend beyond 6 digits, those lines can change duty rates, quality schemes, and paperwork requirements. Confirm the correct national split in the destination market.
Map demand and seasonality
Use HS‑4 and HS‑6 data to see where demand is active and when it spikes. Rank countries with a simple score that balances size, growth, AUV fit, and month to month consistency. Seasonality matters, buyers often shift origins across harvest windows.
| Signal | What to measure | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Latest annual import value, HS‑4 0701 | Indicates total spend in market |
| Growth | YoY or 3 year CAGR | Shows momentum |
| AUV fit | Value per unit at HS‑6 | Checks realistic pricing |
| Consistency | Months with imports in last 12 | Reduces one off project risk |
| Seasonality | Monthly pattern by origin | Aligns offers with harvest and storage |
Data sources include UN Comtrade, national customs portals, and partner datasets. For faster analysis, a tool such as the Rinzy Global Trade Visualizer can plot flows and seasonality.
Identify likely importers
Move from flows to names in shortlisted countries. Triangulate importer candidates from procurement portals, sector directories, distributor and wholesaler networks, and shipment records where permissible. In produce, pay attention to wholesalers, supermarket buying groups, food service distributors, and seed certification bodies for 0701.10.
Build the target account list
Normalize entities, merge subsidiaries, and deduplicate by domain. Track fields that drive prioritization and messaging. Separate seed versus table potato buyers to avoid mixed signals.
| Field | Description | Use in outreach |
|---|---|---|
| Importer | Legal entity or trading name | Personalization and verification |
| Segment | Seed 0701.10 or Other 0701.90 | Spec and compliance alignment |
| Country | Destination market | Local approvals and timing |
| HS‑6 focus | Primary subheading imported | Subject line and credibility |
| Last import | Days since last shipment | Recency signal |
| Import months | Count in last 12 months | Frequency signal |
| AUV | Value per unit at HS‑6 | Price fit check |
| Ports and origins | Top lanes for the account | Lead time and lane proof |
Evidence based outreach
Reference the subheading and a recent activity cue, then tie quality specs to the buyer’s segment. Keep the ask short, request a brief fit check. Example copy follows.
- Subject, On your recent imports under HS 0701.90
- Open, Noted steady imports of potatoes into [Country]. Supply [variety, grade, size] with [certifications], average lead time [X] days.
- Ask, Short fit check this week.
Quality, specs, and pricing bands
Buyers often specify variety, grade, size, dry matter, and defects tolerance. Storage and transport conditions are part of the value, including pre cooling, ventilation, and temperature control. Align price bands with observed AUVs at HS‑6, then justify premiums with specification, packing, and reliability.
Compliance and local nuances
Seed potatoes require certification and strict phytosanitary documents. Food potatoes can trigger additional measures in certain markets, for example quarantine pests lists or quality schemes. Harmonization ends at six digits, confirm the correct national tariff line, duty, preferences, and paperwork in the destination country.
- Confirm plant health documentation and treatments
- Check national 8 or 10 digit tariff lines and any quotas
- Align packaging and labeling with local rules
References
- UN Comtrade, global trade statistics
- WTO tariff tools, duty and preferences
- US HTS, United States tariff schedule
- EU TARIC, EU tariff and measures
- OEC data resources, trade and partners
FAQ
Should seed and table potatoes be targeted together
No. Segments differ on certification, buyer roles, and timing. Keep separate lists and messages for 0701.10 and 0701.90.
How large should the first prospect list be
150 to 300 accounts across five to seven markets is a practical starting range, large enough to learn, focused enough to personalize.
What reply rate is reasonable for HS referenced outreach
A 5 to 8 percent reply rate within two business days is a healthy baseline. If results lag, review HS‑6 targeting, value clarity in the first sentence, and approval alignment.
What seasonal factors affect success
Harvest windows, storage costs, and competing origins shift buyer attention. Use monthly import patterns to time outreach.
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