Fruit, edible; watermelons, fresh

HS code 080711 covers the import and export of fresh watermelons, a popular and widely consumed fruit globally. Watermelons are an important agricultural commodity, with significant production and trade volumes across many countries. As a refreshing and nutritious fruit, watermelons play a key role in the broader fruit and vegetable industry, contributing to healthy diets and food security worldwide.

Watermelons are typically grown from seeds or seedlings, which are planted in well-drained soil and require consistent watering and sunlight for optimal growth. The fruit develops over a period of 2-3 months, with growers monitoring factors like soil moisture, temperature, and pest control to ensure a healthy and bountiful harvest. Harvesting is done manually or with specialized machinery, with watermelons carefully selected for ripeness, size, and quality before being prepared for distribution and sale.

The primary inputs for watermelon production include fertile agricultural land, water for irrigation, seeds or seedlings, farm equipment, and labor for planting, tending, and harvesting the crop. Growers may also utilize fertilizers, pesticides, and other agricultural inputs to support plant growth and protect against pests and diseases. Transportation infrastructure, such as roads and shipping containers, is also a crucial input for the efficient distribution of watermelons to domestic and international markets.

Fresh watermelons produced under HS code 080711 are primarily consumed as a refreshing and healthy fruit, either on their own or as an ingredient in various food and beverage products. The output of this industry may be further processed or packaged for retail sale, or may be exported to other countries for consumption. Watermelons may also be used as an input for 200799 Fruit, edible; n.e.c. in item no. 2007.99, prepared or preserved, whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter or spirit, not frozen or 200899 Vegetables and fruit, prepared or preserved, n.e.c. in chapter 20.