Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormIn-shell (Raw, Dried)
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Market
In-shell raw peanut (cacahuate) is a domestically produced agricultural commodity in Mexico, with production reported across multiple states. Official agriculture communications highlight national production in 2022 and identify Sinaloa as a leading producer, while SIAP-linked state-level statistics show Chihuahua, Chiapas, Sinaloa, Puebla, and Guerrero among the top producing states by volume. Mexico also imports in-shell, non-roasted peanuts (HS 120210), with 2024 import flows reported primarily from China and the United States. Trade data indicates Mexico is a mixed producer-and-importer market for this product, with relatively small export flows compared with imports.
Market RoleDomestic producer with supplemental imports; minor exporter
Domestic RoleDomestic consumption market supported by multi-state production and imports for supply continuity
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
Risks
Food Safety HighAflatoxin contamination is a critical deal-breaker risk for peanuts: elevated mycotoxins can trigger shipment rejection, product withdrawal, or processing diversion, and risk increases with inadequate drying, moisture control, or poor storage hygiene.Implement pre-shipment mycotoxin testing aligned to buyer/regulatory expectations; control moisture from harvest through storage/transport; apply Codex-aligned preventive controls across drying, sorting, and storage.
Regulatory Compliance MediumPhytosanitary non-compliance (e.g., missing/incorrect documentation, unmet origin-specific measures, or findings at inspection) can cause clearance delays, treatments, or refusal at the point of entry.Use SENASICA’s phytosanitary requirements module to confirm the exact commodity/origin measures before shipping; align documents (product description, HS line, origin, treatments) and prepare for OISA inspection.
Logistics MediumAs a dry bulk commodity, in-shell peanuts are vulnerable to moisture ingress and quality loss during long transit and storage; freight disruptions can extend dwell time and raise mould/mycotoxin and infestation risk.Use moisture-protective packaging and container desiccants where appropriate; set maximum transit/storage humidity targets; prioritize faster routings during high-humidity seasons and require cleanliness/pest-control protocols in warehouses.
Climate MediumRegional drought and weather variability can affect yields and quality in producing areas, contributing to supply volatility and increased aflatoxin risk under stress conditions.Diversify sourcing across producing states and suppliers; monitor regional drought signals; reinforce field-to-storage drying controls during hot/dry seasons followed by humid storage periods.
Sustainability- Water and drought sensitivity in peanut-producing areas: production in some regions is described as an alternative in areas with drought constraints, implying climate variability can influence supply.
FAQ
Which HS code is typically used for in-shell raw (non-roasted) peanuts when assessing Mexico’s trade flows?International trade data commonly tracks in-shell, non-roasted peanuts under HS 120210 (ground-nuts in shell, not roasted or otherwise). Mexico’s tariff schedule also places peanuts under heading 1202, with in-shell lines under 1202.10.
Which Mexican authority should importers consult for phytosanitary requirements for importing in-shell peanuts into Mexico?Importers should consult SENASICA, which publishes and updates phytosanitary import measures through its phytosanitary requirements module (MCRFI/MCRF) and manages related import inspection and procedures.
What is the biggest food-safety risk for in-shell raw peanuts in Mexico’s supply chain?Aflatoxins are the most critical risk: peanuts can develop mycotoxin contamination when drying, storage, or transport allows mould growth. Managing moisture and using appropriate testing and preventive controls are central to avoiding rejections or downstream recalls.