Market
Shelled raw walnuts in Panama are supplied primarily through imports rather than domestic production. UN Comtrade data via WITS indicates Panama imported about USD 0.79 million (113.8 tonnes) of HS 080232 (walnuts without shells, fresh or dried) in 2023, with the United States as the dominant supplier, followed by Chile and Ecuador. Market access depends on Panama’s import clearance and (where applicable) phytosanitary/food-control requirements administered by national authorities. Quality expectations for walnut kernels commonly reference UNECE class definitions and defect tolerances (e.g., sound, clean, free from visible mould filaments and pest damage).
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer market)
Domestic RoleDomestic consumption market supplied mainly by imports
SeasonalityImport availability is largely year-round and driven by supplier export programs and shipment scheduling rather than domestic harvest seasonality.
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighPanama applies product- and origin-specific import requirements for plant-origin goods (including phytosanitary requirements issued/managed by DNSV/MIDA and published via official channels); shipments can be delayed, held, or refused if the applicable requirement is missing, outdated, or documents do not match the authorized conditions.Confirm the current product-and-origin requirement before contracting; align shipment documents (invoice, bill of lading, customs declaration, and any phytosanitary/other authorizations) and ensure the importer completes required pre-arrival procedures in the relevant systems.
Food Safety MediumTree nuts are a recognized risk category for contaminants such as aflatoxins; non-compliance with contaminant expectations or buyer/authority testing outcomes can trigger rejection, market withdrawal, or heightened inspection.Require supplier controls aligned to Codex guidance for tree nuts; implement pre-shipment testing/COAs for relevant contaminants and maintain lot-level traceability.
Logistics MediumAs a small-volume import market, Panama can face landed-cost volatility and service variability for containerized shipments; disruptions in carrier schedules or fees can affect delivery timing and pricing.Use buffer lead times, diversify suppliers (e.g., U.S. and Chile), and align purchase terms (FOB/CIF) with the importer’s freight risk tolerance.
Documentation Gap MediumErrors or inconsistencies in core maritime import documentation (e.g., commercial invoice or bill of lading) can delay customs processing and increase storage/demurrage exposure.Run a pre-shipment document audit against ANA import-document requirements and the importer’s customs broker checklist.
Sustainability- Aflatoxin prevention and control in tree nuts (supplier good practices and storage management are material to compliance risk).
FAQ
Who were Panama’s main suppliers of shelled walnuts in 2023?UN Comtrade data accessed via WITS shows Panama imported HS 080232 (walnuts without shells, fresh or dried) mainly from the United States in 2023, with additional imports from Chile and Ecuador.
What HS code is typically used for shelled walnuts in Panama’s trade statistics?UN Comtrade/WITS reports shelled walnuts under HS 080232 (walnuts without shells, fresh or dried).
Which documents are commonly required for maritime import clearance in Panama?Panama’s official guidance for maritime imports includes presenting the commercial invoice and the bill of lading, along with completing the customs declaration process (DUA via SICE/SIGA) and any required permits for restricted goods when applicable.