Nuts, edible; cashew nuts, fresh or dried, shelled

HS code 080132 covers the trade of fresh or dried, shelled cashew nuts. Cashew nuts are a popular and versatile edible nut, with a distinctive flavor and creamy texture. The global cashew industry plays a significant role in the international trade of tree nuts, contributing to the economies of major producing countries, particularly in Africa and Asia. As a high-value agricultural commodity, the production and export of cashew nuts are important sources of income and employment for many smallholder farmers and processing facilities worldwide.

The production of cashew nuts involves several key steps. First, cashew trees are cultivated, typically in tropical and subtropical regions. The cashew fruit, known as the cashew apple, is harvested, and the nut is extracted from the fruit. The nuts are then dried, either naturally or through mechanical drying processes, to reduce their moisture content. Finally, the hard outer shell of the cashew nut is removed, either manually or through mechanical shelling, to reveal the edible kernel inside.

The primary inputs required for the cashew nut industry include the cashew trees themselves, which are the source of the raw material. Additionally, the industry relies on labor, both for harvesting the cashew apples and for the manual or mechanical shelling of the nuts. Processing facilities and equipment, such as drying machines and shelling machinery, are also essential inputs for the industry. Transportation infrastructure, such as roads and ports, is crucial for the efficient movement of the raw materials and finished products.

The main output of HS code 080132 is the shelled, edible cashew nut. These nuts can be consumed directly as a snack or used as an ingredient in a wide range of food products, including baked goods, confectionery, and various savory dishes. The cashew nut industry also generates byproducts, such as the cashew shell liquid, which can be used in the production of industrial chemicals and other products. The output of HS code 080132 may be consumed by industries covered under 200819 Fruit, nuts and other edible parts of plants, otherwise prepared or preserved, n.e.s. and 210690 Food preparations, n.e.s..