SITCSection 2
U.S. imports of seeds of forage plants (other than beet seed) (SITC 29252) totaled $11.5M in April 2026, traded with 24 countries.
Importers of Seeds of Forage Plants (Other Than Beet Seed) paid $199K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 8.7% on $2.3M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Seeds of Forage Plants (Other Than Beet Seed) imports of $11.5M in April 2026 ran 10% below the year-to-date monthly average of $12.8M.
Last updated: April 2026 dataAlfalfa, clover, ryegrass, fescue, and other forage crop seeds are critical inputs for livestock and dairy operations, and their import trade is shaped by agronomic performance specifications such as germination rate, purity, and variety certification. USDA APHIS phytosanitary requirements apply to all imported seed lots, and the Federal Seed Act mandates accurate labeling of germination percentage, weed seed content, and country of origin. Noxious weed seed contamination is a primary enforcement concern — shipments found to contain prohibited weed seeds can be refused entry or require cleaning before release. Variety certification standards vary by species and destination state, so importers should confirm compliance with both federal and state seed laws before contracting.
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The Federal Seed Act prohibits the importation of seed lots containing noxious weed seeds above established tolerance levels. USDA APHIS inspectors test incoming shipments, and lots exceeding tolerance thresholds may be refused entry, required to undergo cleaning and re-testing, or destroyed. Importers should request certified seed analysis reports from suppliers before shipment to identify contamination risk early.
Yes. Individual states maintain their own lists of prohibited or restricted noxious weeds and may require variety registration or certification for certain forage species sold within their borders. A shipment that clears federal entry requirements may still face restrictions in specific destination states, so importers distributing across multiple states should review each state's seed law before finalizing sourcing.
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Monthly import values over time