Fruit, edible; plums and sloes, fresh

HS code 080940 covers the import and export of fresh plums and sloes, which are small, dark-colored fruits related to the plum. The plum and sloe industry is a significant part of the global fruit trade, with plums in particular being a popular and versatile fruit used in a wide range of food products and culinary applications. This industry plays an important role in the broader agricultural economy, providing employment and income for farmers and supporting related industries such as food processing and distribution.

Plums and sloes are typically grown on orchards or small farms. The production process involves planting and cultivating the trees, managing pests and diseases, and carefully harvesting the fruit at the optimal time. Growers may use techniques such as pruning, irrigation, and the application of fertilizers to ensure a healthy and bountiful crop. The harvested fruit is then sorted, graded, and prepared for distribution, often involving washing, cooling, and packaging to maintain freshness and quality.

The main inputs required for the plum and sloe industry include the land, soil, and climate suitable for growing these fruits, as well as the planting stock (e.g., sapling trees or grafted rootstock). Growers also rely on agricultural machinery and equipment for tasks such as planting, spraying, and harvesting. Labor, both skilled and unskilled, is another key input, as is access to water for irrigation and various agricultural chemicals and fertilizers to support plant health and productivity.

The primary output of HS code 080940 is fresh plums and sloes, which are consumed directly as a fruit or used as an ingredient in a variety of food products, such as jams, preserves, baked goods, and alcoholic beverages. The output of this industry may also be used as an input for other HS codes, such as 200799 Fruit, nuts and other edible parts of plants, otherwise prepared or preserved, n.e.s. and 200840 Fruit, nuts and other edible parts of plants, otherwise prepared or preserved, including mixtures, where plums and sloes are used as ingredients in processed and preserved fruit products.