Fruit, edible; mandarins (including tangerines and satsumas), fresh or dried

HS code 080521 covers the import and export of fresh or dried mandarins, including tangerines and satsumas. This category of citrus fruits is a significant global commodity, with widespread cultivation and trade across many countries. Mandarins are valued for their sweet, juicy flavor and are commonly consumed as a fresh fruit, used in various food and beverage products, and processed for their essential oils and other by-products. As a versatile and popular fruit, the mandarin industry plays an important role in the broader agricultural and food processing sectors worldwide.

Mandarins are typically grown on small to medium-sized citrus orchards, with the fruit harvested by hand or using mechanical harvesters. After harvesting, the mandarins may undergo various post-harvest treatments, such as washing, sorting, and grading, before being packaged and transported to domestic or international markets. For dried mandarins, the fruit is often peeled, segmented, and then dehydrated using techniques like air-drying or using specialized drying equipment.

The mandarin industry requires several key inputs, including fertile agricultural land, suitable climatic conditions, and access to water for irrigation. Growers also rely on specialized farming equipment, such as tractors and pruning tools, as well as agricultural inputs like fertilizers, pesticides, and fungicides to maintain the health and productivity of mandarin orchards. Additionally, the industry requires packaging materials, transportation infrastructure, and labor for harvesting, processing, and distribution.

The primary output of the mandarin industry is the fresh or dried fruit itself, which is consumed directly or used as an ingredient in a variety of food and beverage products. Mandarins may also be processed further to extract essential oils, juices, and other by-products. The mandarin industry's outputs are often consumed by 080510 Fruit, edible; oranges, fresh or dried, 080520 Fruit, edible; clementines, fresh or dried, and 080540 Fruit, edible; grapefruit, fresh or dried industries, as well as the broader 080500 Fruit, edible; citrus fruit, fresh or dried sector.