Market
In-shell almonds in Costa Rica are primarily an import-dependent niche nut category rather than a domestically produced commodity. UN Comtrade data compiled in WITS shows Costa Rica recorded small imports of HS 080211 (almonds in shell, fresh or dried) in 2023, sourced from the United States. Market access is shaped more by import clearance, phytosanitary controls, and importer specifications than by local production seasonality. As a shelf-stable nut, distribution typically relies on dry, pest-controlled storage rather than cold chain.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market (net importer)
Domestic RoleDomestic consumption market supplied mainly through imports
SeasonalityAvailability is primarily driven by import programs rather than local harvest seasonality.
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighPhytosanitary non-compliance (e.g., missing official phytosanitary certificate where required, or failing entry inspection expectations) can trigger holds, delays, or refusal of entry for in-shell nut shipments.Confirm product- and origin-specific phytosanitary requirements in the SFE system before shipment; run a pre-shipment document and packaging integrity check aligned to importer and broker checklists.
Food Safety MediumTree nuts can present contamination and allergen-control risks (including storage-related quality degradation), which can lead to importer rejection or recall exposure if specifications are not met.Use suppliers with verified food-safety controls, maintain dry/pest-controlled storage, and require lot-level testing/COAs aligned to buyer requirements.
Logistics MediumFreight and port handling disruptions can increase landed costs and extend transit/clearance time, raising shrink risk from moisture or pest exposure during extended dwell.Use moisture-barrier packaging, specify dry-container handling, and build lead-time buffers in procurement planning.
Market LowRecorded import volumes for in-shell almonds are small, which can reduce shipment frequency and raise per-unit logistics costs.Consolidate shipments with compatible dry groceries and align order cycles to reduce per-unit freight and brokerage costs.
Sustainability- Upstream climate and water-stress exposure in major almond supplier regions can transmit into supply and price volatility for Costa Rica’s import-dependent market.
FAQ
What HS code is commonly used for in-shell almonds imported into Costa Rica?UN Comtrade data shown in WITS lists in-shell almonds as HS 080211 (Almonds in shell, fresh or dried).
What is the key phytosanitary requirement Costa Rica highlights for applicable imported plant products?Costa Rica’s SFE phytosanitary requirement system indicates shipments should be accompanied by an official phytosanitary certificate from the country of origin and are subject to inspection at the point of entry.
How large were Costa Rica’s recorded in-shell almond imports in 2023?WITS (UN Comtrade) reports Costa Rica imported about 303 kg of HS 080211 in 2023, valued at about US$2.10 thousand, sourced from the United States.