What defines a yam as a commodity?

Yams are vegetable roots and tubers from the genus Dioscorea, classified as fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, regardless of slicing or pellet form.

How should fresh yams be stored to maintain quality?

Fresh yams should be kept chilled or refrigerated; if frozen, they must remain frozen, and dried yams should be stored in a cool, dry place.

What processing forms are accepted for yam shipments?

Yams can be supplied whole, sliced, or in pellet form, and may be presented fresh, chilled, frozen, or dried.

Yam

Yam is a vegetable root and tuber belonging to the genus Dioscorea. It is traded fresh, chilled, frozen or dried and has a high starch or inulin content.

Prices, specifications and international trade for yam under HS 071430.

Yam Price

$1,144USD/t

Published reference · Jul 1, 2026

Yam Historical Unit Values

Yam is quoted in USD/t at JAM. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.

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Yam Exports and Imports

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Jamaica led reported yam exports in 2025, at $25.3M.

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Yam Facts and HS Code

Yam belongs to fresh vegetables within produce, nuts, spices and food ingredients. Its customs classification covers HS 071430.

Yam HS Code

Product type	Raw
Form	Fresh
Position in the chain	Primary
Category	Fresh vegetables — Produce, nuts, spices and food ingredients
HS codes	071430
Quoted in	USD/t
Reference location	JAM

Production & Handling

Processing steps for yam include Slicing, Pelletizing, Drying.

Production and Storage

Perishability	High
Processing steps	Slicing Pelletizing Drying

Uses & Risks

Yam uses, related products and documented risks.

Uses and Related Commodities

Leading origins	Benin, Cameroon, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, India, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Togo

Sourcing risks

Risk	Category	Severity	Mitigation
Trade restrictions and customs controls PolicyMedium Yams are subject to specific tariff codes, quotas, and official plant health controls, which can delay shipments or require additional documentation.	Policy	Medium	Verify applicable HS code 07143000, confirm quota limits, and ensure compliance with plant health certification requirements before export or import.

Yam Questions

What defines a yam as a commodity?: Yams are vegetable roots and tubers from the genus Dioscorea, classified as fresh, chilled, frozen or dried, regardless of slicing or pellet form.
How should fresh yams be stored to maintain quality?: Fresh yams should be kept chilled or refrigerated; if frozen, they must remain frozen, and dried yams should be stored in a cool, dry place.
What processing forms are accepted for yam shipments?: Yams can be supplied whole, sliced, or in pellet form, and may be presented fresh, chilled, frozen, or dried.