Cashew nuts are native to Brazil and grow well in tropical and sub-tropical climates. Major producers of cashew nuts are Vietnam, India and Africa. From these areas cashews are majorly supplied to other countries in the world.
Cashew nuts are therefore not native to Japan where there are other nuts such as ginkgo nuts. However, there is an increasing popularity of cashew nuts among Japanese consumers. This comes as no surprise since more people are becoming aware of the benefits of cashew nuts to our health.
Cashew nuts are highly nutritious nuts which contain mostly unsaturated fat which is associated with protection against many diseases such as heart disease. They also contain antioxidants which are beneficial plant compounds that keep your body healthy by neutralizing damage causing molecules.
Cashew Nuts Japan
Japan’s climate varies significantly from north to south which makes it a country with diverse climates. It is generally a rainy country with high humidity. It cannot therefore conduct large scale cashew farming since they require a long pronounced dry season.
This has led to Japan majorly depending on imports to cater for the growing demand in the country. Cashew nuts are mostly consumed in cities where there is a high population and also where most cashew importing firms are located.
Cashews Japan
Japan imports cashew nuts hence they are available throughout the year. In 2022, the country shipped in over 11,000 tonnes of cashew nuts. This is a decrease from the previous year where the country imported about 13,400 tonnes of cashews. This data includes both raw cashew nuts (in-shell) and shelled cashews.
Cashew imports in Japan have enjoyed a steady growth over the last decade. The highest volume was recorded in 2021 where the country shipped in over 13,000 tonnes of cashew nuts. The highest jump in volume was recorded from 2016 to 2017 with an increase of over 26%.
Here is the import volume of cashew nuts between 2013 and 2022
Importing Cashew Nuts into Japan
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to import cashews into Japan.
Cashew Supplying Countries to Japan
India is the largest supplier of cashew nuts to Japan. It earned over 40 million US Dollars in 2022 from exporting cashews to Japan.
Other major cashew supplying countries to Japan are:
- Vietnam
- Cambodia
Countries that supply Japan with cashews in small quantities include:
- Sri Lanka
- China
- Myanmar
Japan brings cashews from abroad through one of its busiest airports. Cashews get into the country as air freight through Tokyo International Airport. The airport has a modern container terminal.
The other way cashews enter Japan is through one of its main commercial sea ports. Cashews get into the country as sea freight through the Port of Nagoya. The sea port has a modern container terminal.
Requirements for Cashew Nut Imports
Importers should be aware of the following regulations on import of cashew nuts into Japan:
- Nuts that have not been heat processed must undergo quarantine procedures including screening for contamination while nuts that are individually packaged even if fresh and those that are seasoned are exempt from plant protection act.
- They must have the required import documentation for customs clearance which include: packing lists, bill of lading, invoice and declaration of import.
- They also need to produce documentation for food sanitation inspection under the Food and Sanitation Act which include: notification form for importation of foods, material/ingredient table, production flow chart and table of analysis issued by the designated inspection institute.
You need to conduct thorough research on importing goods into the country so as to comply with the set rules and regulations and avoid getting on the wrong side of the law.
Here is a top cashew exporter in Kenya
Freshela Exporters
Freshela is a Kenyan based company that engages in the sourcing, processing and exporting of cashew nuts and other fresh produce.
Freshela is a proud exporter of raw cashew nuts and shelled cashews. We give competitive pricing to our customers and guarantee reliable delivery time.