Gum Arabic

Gum arabic — the dried exudate of Acacia senegal and related species — is a critical food-grade hydrocolloid used as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and encapsulating agent in beverages, confectionery, and pharmaceutical coatings. Chad and Sudan are the primary origin countries for raw gum arabic, reflecting the Sahel belt where Acacia trees are harvested, while France and the United Kingdom serve as major re-export and processing hubs that account for a significant share of US import volume. FDA regulates gum arabic as a food additive with GRAS status, but importers must still ensure product specifications — particularly moisture content and viscosity grade — meet buyer and regulatory requirements. The single 10-digit line 1301200000 covers all forms of gum arabic.