Cocoa beans; whole or broken, raw or roasted

HS code 180100 covers the trade of cocoa beans, which are the primary raw material used in the production of chocolate and cocoa products. As a globally traded agricultural commodity, the cocoa industry plays a vital role in the economies of major producing countries, particularly in West Africa. The demand for cocoa beans has remained strong, driven by the growing global appetite for chocolate and other cocoa-based confectionery items.

Cocoa beans are typically harvested from cocoa trees, which are cultivated in tropical regions around the world. After harvesting, the beans undergo a fermentation process to develop their flavor profile, followed by drying. The dried beans are then cleaned, roasted, and processed into various cocoa products, such as cocoa powder, cocoa butter, and chocolate liquor.

The primary input for the cocoa industry is, of course, the cocoa bean itself. Cocoa trees require specific climatic conditions, including high temperatures, humidity, and rainfall, to thrive. In addition to the raw cocoa beans, the industry also relies on processing equipment, such as roasters, grinders, and conching machines, as well as packaging materials to transport and store the final products.

The main outputs of the cocoa industry are 180310 Cocoa paste, 180320 Cocoa butter, 180400 Cocoa powder, and various chocolate products. These outputs are then consumed by a wide range of industries, including 180610 Chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa, 180620 Other preparations in blocks, slabs or bars weighing more than 2 kg or in liquid, paste, powder, granular or other bulk form in containers or immediate packings, of a content exceeding 2 kg, and 180631 Chocolate and other preparations containing cocoa, in blocks, slabs or bars, filled, among others.