The United States of America (US) imports a substantial amount of cashew nuts annually. This is by virtue of a high urban population. Over 80% of Americans live in cities and towns with a majority of them found in New York City.
Cashew Nuts USA
Cashew nuts, Brazil nuts, pine nuts and chestnuts combined are the third most consumed tree nuts in the US. Cashews make up the largest share of this grouping. This is according to the United States Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service (USDA ERS). The two likely reasons for a bump in yearly consumption of cashews are:
- Promotional programs in supermarkets that tout their nutritional value
- Increased awareness and demand for nut milks like cashew milk
Demand for cashew nuts within the US is on the rise. The per capita consumption increased from 0.36kg in 2011 to 0.54kg in 2021 according to the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC). In addition, 83 million Americans consumed cashews in 2020 as reported by Statista.
Cashews USA
Since there is no commercial cashew production in the US, imported cashews are available for most part of the year. In 2022, US shipped in nearly 150,000 tonnes of cashew nuts. Although it is a slight decrease from the previous year, it is another record high volume. This data includes both raw cashew nuts (in-shell) and shelled cashews.
US is a huge net importer of shelled cashew nuts. Over the last decade, cashew imports in US have enjoyed steady growth. The highest jump in volume was recorded from 2014 to 2015 at 11%. The peak volume was in the year 2021 at 183,101 tonnes.
Here is the import volume of cashew nuts in US between 2013 and 2022
Importing Cashew Nuts into US
Here is a step by step guide on how to import cashews into US
Cashew Supplying Countries to US
The cashew import market in US is dominated by Vietnam. It has gained in market share from exporting cashews worth 500,000 US Dollars to reach 860,000 US Dollars. The American cashew market is made up of a diversity of sources.
The other key cashew supplying countries to US are:
- Brazil
- Ivory Coast
- India
- Nigeria
- Thailand
It imports cashews in smaller volumes from countries like:
- Indonesia
- Mozambique
- Benin
US brings cashews from abroad through one of its busiest airports. Cashews get in the country as air freight by way of Memphis International Airport. The airport has a modern cargo terminal.
The other way cashews enter US is through one of its main commercial sea ports. Cashews get into the country as sea freight by way of Port of Los Angeles. The sea port has a modern container terminal.
How to Know Reliable Cashew Suppliers in US
Cashew importers in US must follow these procedures for their shipment to be released by the customs office:
- File a Prior Notice with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This notice helps FDA and the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) plan for an inspection of the incoming consignment of cashews.
- Register with FDA. FDA ensures cashew importers comply with the Foreign Supplier Verification Programs (FSVP) rule. They conduct annual onsite audits of the supplier’s facility, sample and test imported cashews and review the supplier’s food safety records.
- Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
- Commercial invoice
- Packing List
- Customs Bond ensures that relevant fees, taxes and import duties are paid to CBP
- Notice of Arrival
- File an Entry Summary (CBP Form 7501). It helps CBP assess duties, collect statistics and determine whether other requirements of the law have been met.
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.