The Complete Guide to Importing Cashew Nuts in Singapore 2024

When cashew nuts were first discovered in the northeast of Brazil, it was not readily embraced because of their complex nature. First, the indigenous people did not know this crop or how to consume it.

Since they did not know how to prepare it well before eating, they ended up using the cashews with their shell containing the toxic acid that made them inedible and poisonous.

After several trials by the next generations, thanks to human curiosity, people found a way to detoxify the nut and make it safe for consumption. They started drying the nuts in the sun before breaking them with rocks and then burying them in ash to neutralize any acid and reveal the cashew kernel.

The more the cashew nuts evolved, the more they spread and more people found uses and ways to consume them. When Portuguese explorers started spreading it to other countries they were trading in, the nut became even more familiar and valued in the local markets.

Today, cashew nuts have found their place in ingredients, cuisines, snacks, and special meals. It is more appreciated for its various health benefits, giving consumers more alternatives for good health products.

Cashew Nuts Singapore

Cashew nuts in Singapore date back to the time when cashews were a rare commodity paid heavily for. Before cashews became a favorite snack that is loved today, it was sought mainly for medicinal purposes, and the tree’s strong root system prevented soil erosion.

Cashews were famous for their medicinal properties which made them grow in demand from one country to the other. Cashew nuts were consumed to boost body immunity because of their antioxidant content which also treated inflammatory diseases.

Cashew oil is used to treat skin diseases like eczema and fungal infections because it contains properties that promote healing and soothe inflamed skin.

Chewing cashews were also believed to strengthen jaws and teeth gums while the leaves of the cashew tree were used to treat toothaches.

Cashews Singapore

Singapore imports cashews from other exporting and producing countries because its climate and soil conditions d not support large-scale production of cashew nuts.

In 2022, Singapore shipped over 2,000 tonnes of cashew nuts. Although this is a decrease from the previous year, it makes another high record value. This data includes both raw cashew nuts (in-shell) and shelled cashews.

Over the last decade, cashew imports in Singapore have enjoyed steady growth. The highest jump in volume was recorded from 2013 to 2014 at over 29%. The peak volume was in the year 2014 at 3,757 tonnes.

Here is the import volume of cashew nuts in Singapore between 2013 and 2022.

Importing Cashew Nuts into Singapore

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to import cashews into Singapore.

Cashew Supplying Countries to the Singapore

Vietnam is the dominating country in Singapore’s cashew import because its cashew production is substantial with significant volumes that beat those of other producers.

Other key cashew-supplying countries in Singapore are:

  • India
  • Myanmar
  • Malaysia
  • Nigeria
  • Indonesia

It imports cashews in smaller volumes from countries like:

  • France
  • Canada
  • Spain

The main mode of transporting cashew nuts into Singapore is sea transport supplemented by air transport for smaller shipments and road transport for distribution to customers countrywide.

How to Know Reliable Cashew Suppliers in Singapore

Cashew importers in Singapore must follow these procedures for their shipment to be released by the customs office:

  • The importer must obtain a customs permit before the goods are shipped into the country
  • The importer must pay all customs duties, taxes, and fees required by the customs
  • The importer must have all the necessary documents including:
  • Import permit
  • Bill of lading
  • Commercial invoice
  • Packing list
  • Certificate of origin
  • Health/sanitary certificates

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.

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