Market
Whole raw almond kernels in Vietnam are predominantly an import market, with supply heavily sourced from the United States and Australia. UN Comtrade-derived WITS data shows Vietnam imported shelled almonds (HS 080212) worth about USD 100.18 million in 2023, with the United States and Australia as the leading origins. Demand is supported by domestic food processing and ingredient use as well as consumer retail snacking and home baking. Market access is shaped by Vietnam’s plant quarantine procedures for regulated plant products and food safety controls including mycotoxin limits, alongside Vietnamese labeling rules for imported packaged goods.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer and processing market)
Domestic RoleImported almond kernels are used as a food ingredient and as a consumer nut product in the domestic market.
Market GrowthGrowing (2020–2023 (trade proxy))import value increased from 2020 to 2023 for HS 080212
SeasonalityYear-round availability in Vietnam is primarily driven by import programs; supply timing can reflect exporting-country harvest and shipping cycles.
Risks
Food Safety HighNon-compliance with Vietnam’s mycotoxin (aflatoxin) limits for nuts/tree-nuts can trigger border detention, rejection, or market withdrawal risk; Vietnam’s QCVN 8-1:2011/BYT sets safety limits for mycotoxin contamination in food, including categories covering almonds/tree nuts.Run pre-shipment COA testing for aflatoxin by an ISO/IEC 17025-capable lab, apply supplier acceptance specs aligned to QCVN limits, and hold lots pending test results before domestic circulation.
Phytosanitary MediumPlant quarantine inspection upon import can delay clearance or require treatment if regulated pests are detected or documentation is incomplete; Vietnam’s plant quarantine procedures include sampling/inspection and phytosanitary handling measures for non-compliant lots.Confirm whether the commodity is on the regulated-article list and whether an import permit/PRA applies; ensure phytosanitary certificate and wood packaging compliance (ISPM 15 marking where applicable) before shipment.
Regulatory Compliance MediumLabeling non-compliance for imported packaged foods (missing/incorrect Vietnamese mandatory contents or supplementary label requirements) can block legal circulation in Vietnam even after customs clearance.Prepare compliant Vietnamese supplementary labels in advance; cross-check required fields under Decree 43/2017 (as amended) and keep original labels intact.
Logistics MediumHumidity and temperature excursions in container and warehouse handling can increase moisture uptake, mold risk, and rancidity, causing quality claims or loss; almonds’ shelf life is highly dependent on storage environment and packaging.Use moisture-barrier packaging/liners where needed, avoid high-humidity staging, monitor RH/temperature, and follow cool/dry storage guidance for almonds throughout the Vietnam distribution chain.
Tariff Policy LowVietnam’s MFN/preferential tariff schedules can change via decrees (e.g., Decree 73/2025/NĐ-CP amending preferential import tariff schedules), affecting landed cost assumptions for almond imports.Validate the applicable HS code line and current duty rate (and FTA qualification requirements) at time of shipment; maintain pricing clauses for duty changes in supply contracts.
Sustainability- Upstream water-stress and climate variability risk in major supplying origins (notably California for U.S. almonds) can affect availability and prices for Vietnam import programs.
- Quality deterioration and food loss risk increases with poor humidity/temperature control in storage and distribution (moisture migration, rancidity).
FAQ
Which countries supply most of Vietnam’s whole shelled almond imports?UN Comtrade-derived WITS data for HS 080212 shows Vietnam’s shelled almond imports in 2023 were primarily supplied by the United States (about USD 66.54 million) and Australia (about USD 32.93 million).
What HS code is typically used for whole shelled almond kernels in Vietnam trade statistics?Trade statistics commonly use HS 080212 (“Almonds without shells, fresh or dried”) for shelled almond kernels, as shown in Vietnam’s UN Comtrade-derived WITS import tables.
What is the most common deal-breaker compliance risk for importing raw almond kernels into Vietnam?Failing food safety limits for mycotoxins (aflatoxins) is a major blocker risk because Vietnam’s QCVN 8-1:2011/BYT sets safety limits for mycotoxin contamination in foods, including categories that cover almonds/tree nuts.