Gum Arabic
Gum Arabic is a dried exudate from Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal trees, collected by tapping or natural exudation, cleaned, dried and bagged for trade as a food‑grade additive.
Prices, specifications and international trade for gum arabic under HS 130120.
Gum Arabic Price
Published reference · Jul 1, 2026
Gum arabic is quoted in USD/t at FRA. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.
Explore gum arabic pricesGum Arabic Exports and Imports
France led reported gum arabic exports in 2025, at $244M.
Compare gum arabic exporting countriesGum Arabic Specifications and Quality
Gum arabic grading factors include Particle size and Foreign matter content.
Grading Factors
Quality assessment for gum arabic considers Particle size and Foreign matter content.
- Particle size
Measures diameter of gum nodules; larger, uniform tears are preferred for higher grades.
- Foreign matter content
Percentage of bark, sand, insects or other impurities; lower percentages indicate higher quality.
Common Defects
Recorded defects for gum arabic include Microbial contamination, Foreign matter inclusion, and Excess moisture / rewetting.
- Microbial contamination
Presence of Salmonella, yeasts or moulds caused by inadequate drying or unhygienic handling.
- Foreign matter inclusion
Bark, sand, insects or plastic introduced during collection or transport.
- Excess moisture / rewetting
Moisture above 15 % or re‑wetting during storage leads to clumping and microbial growth.
Gum Arabic Facts and HS Code
Gum arabic belongs to ingredients and additives within produce, nuts, spices and food ingredients. Its customs classification covers HS 130120.
Gum Arabic HS Code
| Also known as | Acacia gum, Arabic gum, Hashab, Talha |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Acacia senegal / Acacia seyal |
| Product type | Raw |
| Form | Dried |
| Position in the chain | Primary |
| Category | Ingredients and additives — Produce, nuts, spices and food ingredients |
| HS codes | 130120 |
| Quoted in | USD/t |
| Reference location | FRA |
Production & Handling
Gum arabic storage guidance: Stored in cool, dry rooms (RH < 60%) on impermeable, clean sheets or moisture‑proof food‑grade bags to avoid water, odour and dust.
Production and Storage
| Perishability | Low |
|---|---|
| Temperature regime | Ambient |
| Storage conditions | Stored in cool, dry rooms (RH < 60%) on impermeable, clean sheets or moisture‑proof food‑grade bags to avoid water, odour and dust. |
| Production methods | Wild capture |
| Processing steps |
|
Packaging
Typical gum arabic packaging includes Food‑grade moisture‑proof bags and Permeable drying sacks.
- Food‑grade moisture‑proof bags
New or clean fabric or polypropylene sacks that are impermeable to water and odours, labelled with batch details.
- Permeable drying sacks
Natural fibre or breathable bags used during drying to allow the gum to “breathe”.
Uses & Risks
Gum arabic is used in Emulsifier, Stabilizer / thickener, and Pharmaceutical binder / coating.
End Uses
- Emulsifier
Stabilises oil‑in‑water emulsions in beverages, confectionery and sauces.
- Stabilizer / thickener
Provides viscosity control in syrups, dressings and bakery products.
- Pharmaceutical binder / coating
Used in tablet manufacture as a binding agent or protective coating.
- Printing plate protectant
Applied to offset lithographic plates to prevent oxidation.
Uses and Related Commodities
| Downstream industries | Food & beverage, Confectionery, Pharmaceuticals, Printing |
|---|
Sourcing risks
| Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|
Microbial contamination Food safetyHigh Naturally harvested gum may carry environmental bacteria or mold spores, which can multiply if moisture is absorbed during storage. | Use lots with documented microbial testing, maintain dry storage, and implement a risk-based sampling program. |
Moisture absorption during transit LogisticsMedium Humidity during sea or land transport can lead to clumping, fermentation, or reduced solubility, undermining the gum's function. | Specify moisture-proof packaging, use desiccants when appropriate, and check container condition before loading. |
Over-tapping and harvest pressure SustainabilityMedium Intensive collection without proper tree management can reduce the health of Acacia woodlands and long-term gum supply. | Source from producers or regions that follow sustainable tapping practices and promote tree regeneration. |
Gum Arabic Questions
- When is gum arabic harvested?
- Harvesting begins at the start of the dry season, avoiding rainy periods. Tapping is done with shallow incisions and the exudate is collected 2–4 weeks after tapping, then dried for at least two weeks before processing.
- How is gum arabic packaged for export?
- After cleaning and drying, gum is packed in new or clean food‑grade bags that are moisture‑proof and impermeable to odours. Labels include batch number, grade, country of origin and production date.
- What quality tests are performed on gum arabic?
- Standard tests include moisture content (≤15 %), total ash (≤4 %), acid‑insoluble ash (≤0.5 %), acid‑insoluble matter (≤1 %), and limits for lead (≤5 mg/kg) and arsenic (≤3 mg/kg). Microbiological tests check for Salmonella and other pathogens.
- What are the grading criteria for gum arabic?
- Grades are based on particle size (large, medium, small nodules) and the percentage of foreign matter. Grade 1 has large, clean nodules with minimal impurities; lower grades allow more foreign matter and smaller particles.
- What are the main uses of gum arabic?
- It is used as an emulsifier, stabiliser and thickener in food and beverage products, as a binder or coating in pharmaceutical tablets, and as a protective coating for offset printing plates.