HS Code:
The 'In shell' category typically refers to nuts and seeds that are traded with their outer shells intact, such as walnuts, almonds, pistachios, and hazelnuts. These products fall under various HS Codes depending on the specific type of nut or seed (e.g., HS Code 0802 for other nuts, fresh or dried, whether or not shelled or peeled). This category is significant in global agricultural trade due to its high demand in food industries, snack markets, and as raw materials for further processing. The trade of in-shell products is influenced by seasonal harvests, regional production capacities, and international demand for both raw and processed forms.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $5.2 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and International Trade Centre (ITC)
$1.5 billion USD
28.8% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$900 million USD
17.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$750 million USD
14.4% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$600 million USD
11.5% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$400 million USD
7.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
5-10% ad valorem
Highest Rate
30% (imposed by certain developing countries to protect local markets)
Lowest Rate
0-2% (under free trade agreements or for least developed countries)
Growing demand for healthy snacks
Increased exports of in-shell nuts like almonds and pistachios to health-conscious markets in Europe and North America
2021-2022
Climate change affecting harvests
Reduced production in key regions like California (USA) due to droughts, leading to price volatility
2020-2022
Rise of organic certification
Higher premiums for certified organic in-shell nuts, pushing exporters to adopt sustainable practices
2019-2022
Phase One trade deal between the US and China reduced tariffs on in-shell nuts, particularly walnuts and almonds, boosting US exports to China.
January 2020 (ongoing impact through 2022)
Increased trade volume by approximately 15% for US exporters to China.
The European Union introduced stricter aflatoxin testing for in-shell nuts, impacting exporters from Turkey and Iran who must comply with new standards.
March 2022
Potential delays and increased compliance costs for exporters, with a possible 5-10% reduction in shipments to the EU.
India reduced import duties on in-shell walnuts and pistachios to meet domestic demand during festive seasons.
September 2021
Boosted imports from the US and Iran by 20% during the 2021-2022 festive period.