Gum Arabic Export

What It Is and What Export of It Is

Gum Arabic, also known as Acacia Gum, is a natural exudate obtained from the stems and branches of Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal trees. It is a water-soluble gum used globally as a stabilizer, emulsifier, and thickening agent in food, pharmaceutical, and industrial products.

Export of gum arabic involves harvesting, drying, cleaning, grading, and packaging the gum into international-standard forms (granules, powder, or lumps) for shipment to global buyers.

Uses of Gum Arabic

• Food & Beverage Industry:

  • Emulsifier in soft drinks and juices.

  • Stabilizer in candies, ice creams, and confectionery.

  • Used in bakery products and flavor encapsulation.

• Pharmaceutical Industry:

  • Binder in tablets and pills.

  • Ingredient in cough syrups and lozenges.

  • Used in controlled drug release formulations.

• Cosmetics & Personal Care:

  • Used in creams, lotions, and makeup as a stabilizer.

• Industrial Applications:

  • Used in printing, textiles, adhesives, ceramics, and paint industries.

Forms Available for Export

• Whole Gum Arabic (Lumps)

• Granulated Gum Arabic

• Gum Arabic Powder

Export Specifications

• Moisture Content: ≤ 12–15%

• Purity: ≥ 95% (free from stones, sand, bark, and foreign matter)

• Color: Pale to amber (depending on grade)

• pH Value: 4.5–5.5

• Ash Content: ≤ 4%

• Viscosity: 25–45 cps (varies by type)

• Packaging:

  • 25kg – 50kg multi-layer paper bags or polypropylene bags with inner liners

  • Powdered gum packed in airtight food-grade pouches or drums

Packaging for Export

• Whole lumps in 50kg PP bags lined with polyethylene.

• Granules/powder packed in 25kg kraft paper bags or fiber drums.

• All packaging should be moisture-proof and clearly labeled with:

  • Product name (Gum Arabic)

  • Grade (Acacia Senegal / Acacia Seyal)

  • Net weight

  • Batch/lot number

  • HS Code

HS Code

• 1301.20.00 – Gum Arabic

Grades of Gum Arabic

1. Grade 1 (Acacia Senegal / Hashab): Highest quality, white to amber lumps, premium demand in food and pharmaceuticals.

2. Grade 2 (Acacia Seyal / Talha): Reddish-brown lumps, mainly used in industrial applications.

3. Grade 3: Mixed quality, used for local consumption or lower-value industries.

Major Importing Countries

• Europe: France, Germany, UK, Netherlands, Spain

• North America: USA, Canada

• Asia & Middle East: India, China, Japan, UAE, Saudi Arabia

• Africa: South Africa, Egypt, Morocco

Export Value & Market Demand

• Global gum arabic market valued at USD 900+ million, expected to reach USD 1.5 billion by 2032.

• Over 70% of global demand is from the food & beverage industry.

• Rising demand for natural emulsifiers and clean-label ingredients in Europe and North America.

Tip for Exporters: To access premium buyers, provide gum arabic that is traceable, clean, free from contaminants, and certified (HACCP, ISO, or Organic Certification). Grade 1 Acacia Senegal attracts the highest demand and value in the international market.