HS Code:
The 'Shell or Nut' category, often classified under HS Code 0802, encompasses a variety of edible nuts and seeds with shells, including almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, pistachios, and others, whether or not shelled or peeled. This category is a significant segment of the global agricultural trade, driven by both food consumption and industrial uses (e.g., in confectionery, baking, and oil production). Nuts are valued for their nutritional content, including healthy fats, proteins, and vitamins, making them a staple in many diets worldwide. Trade in this category is influenced by climatic conditions, harvest yields, and consumer demand for healthy snacks.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $25 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and International Trade Centre (ITC)
$8.5 billion USD
34% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$3.2 billion USD
13% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$2.8 billion USD
11% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$1.9 billion USD
8% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$1.5 billion USD
6% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5-10% ad valorem
Highest Rate
Up to 35% (in certain developing markets with protective agricultural policies)
Lowest Rate
0-2% (under free trade agreements or in major importing hubs like the EU for specific nuts)
Rising demand for plant-based diets
Increased consumption of nuts as protein alternatives, boosting trade volumes particularly for almonds and walnuts
2021-2023
Growth in organic nut markets
Higher price premiums and demand in developed markets like the EU and North America for certified organic nuts
2020-2022
Climate change affecting yields
Erratic weather patterns in key producing regions (e.g., California for almonds) leading to supply volatility and price fluctuations
2019-2023
A new trade deal reduced tariffs on US almonds exported to China, a major market, following years of trade tensions.
January 2023
Expected to increase US almond exports by 15-20% in the coming years, benefiting American farmers.
The European Union introduced stricter testing for aflatoxin levels in imported nuts, particularly pistachios from Iran and Turkey.
September 2022
Potential delays and increased compliance costs for exporters, with some shipments facing rejection risks.
Severe drought conditions in California, the world's largest almond producer, led to a 10% drop in output for the 2022-2023 season.
August 2022
Global almond prices surged by 8%, affecting importers and downstream industries like confectionery.