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US Shelled Walnut Importers | Trade Data HS Code 080232

US Shelled Walnut Importers — Trade Data Under HS Code 080232

Premium shelled walnut kernels in a white bowl, high-quality walnut pieces ready for export and food processing

The United States is one of the world's largest consumers and producers of walnuts, yet it still relies on significant imports of shelled walnut kernels to meet domestic demand. Under HS code 080232, which specifically covers shelled walnuts whether or not in shell, the US imports walnut kernels from multiple international suppliers including China, Chile, Germany, and Ukraine. This page provides a detailed overview of the US shelled walnut import market, supported by verified bill of lading trade data, to help businesses identify active buyers, understand market dynamics, and make informed sourcing and selling decisions.

Summary

US shelled walnut imports under HS code 080232 represent a substantial segment of the global tree nut trade. The United States, while being the second-largest walnut producer globally after China, continues to import significant volumes of shelled walnut kernels to supplement domestic supply and meet year-round demand from food manufacturers, bakeries, and retail consumers. Major importers such as Turlock Nut Company source walnut kernels from international suppliers like Germany's Farmer's Snack GmbH, reflecting the interconnected nature of global walnut supply chains. Trade data reveals that the US imported approximately 480 packages weighing 5,612 kilograms of walnut kernels in a single recorded shipment, illustrating the scale and consistency of these import operations.

Table of Contents

US Shelled Walnut Import Data (HS 080232)

The following table presents verified bill of lading shipment data for shelled walnut kernels imported into the United States under HS code 080232. This trade record captures the transaction details between an international supplier and a US-based walnut importing company, providing actionable intelligence for businesses operating in the global walnut supply chain.

Trade Date HS Code Product Buyer Supplier Qty Weight (KG)
28.04.2023 080232 Walnut Kernels Turlock Nut Company Farmer's Snack GmbH 480 Pkg 5,612
Fresh walnut halves on a rustic wooden table, showing natural walnut shell and kernel quality for international trade

Shipment Summary

The recorded shipment documents a trade transaction between Farmer's Snack GmbH, a German walnut processing company, and Turlock Nut Company, a US-based nut importer. On April 28, 2023, a consignment of 480 packages containing 5,612 kilograms of shelled walnut kernels was shipped from Germany to the United States under HS code 080232. This single shipment represents a significant commercial transaction in the global walnut trade, reflecting the ongoing demand for European-processed walnut kernels in the American market. The average package weight of approximately 11.7 kilograms per package is consistent with standard commercial walnut packaging used in international trade.

US Walnut Import Market Analysis

Walnut kernels being processed and sorted in a modern food facility, quality control in walnut shelling and packaging operations

The United States occupies a unique position in the global walnut market as both a major producer and a significant importer. California alone produces approximately 70-80% of the world's commercial walnuts, yet the country still imports substantial volumes of shelled walnut kernels each year. This apparent paradox is explained by several factors that shape the dynamics of the US walnut import market and create opportunities for international suppliers.

First, the US domestic walnut crop is highly seasonal, with harvest occurring primarily in September through November. During the off-season months, domestic supplies diminish while consumer and industrial demand remains constant throughout the year. This creates a natural import window during which international suppliers from the Southern Hemisphere (particularly Chile, whose harvest season runs from March to May) and from Northern Hemisphere producers with stored inventory can fill the supply gap.

Second, the US food processing industry requires walnut kernels in specific grades, sizes, and specifications that may not always be available from domestic sources at competitive prices. German processors like Farmer's Snack GmbH, for example, specialize in producing precisely sorted and graded walnut kernels that meet the exacting requirements of US food manufacturers, making them attractive suppliers despite the additional shipping costs from Europe.

Third, price arbitrage plays an important role in driving import volumes. When walnut prices in producing countries like China or Chile are significantly lower than US domestic prices due to currency fluctuations, oversupply, or competitive dynamics, US importers can source walnut kernels internationally at costs that make economic sense even after accounting for shipping, insurance, and import duties.

Key US Walnut Importer Profiles

Turlock Nut Company

Turlock Nut Company, based in California's Central Valley, is a well-established walnut processing and trading company that serves as both a domestic processor of California walnuts and an importer of international walnut kernels. Located in Turlock, Stanislaus County — one of California's premier walnut-growing regions — the company benefits from direct access to local walnut orchards, processing infrastructure, and logistics networks. Their import activities, as evidenced by the recorded shipment from Farmer's Snack GmbH, demonstrate a strategy of supplementing domestic walnut supplies with international sourcing to maintain year-round product availability for their customers. The company supplies walnut kernels to food manufacturers, bakeries, confectionery producers, and retail packers throughout the United States.

Supplier Analysis — Farmer's Snack GmbH

Farmer's Snack GmbH is a German food company specializing in the processing, packaging, and distribution of nuts, dried fruits, and snack products. Based in Germany, the company operates within the European Union's stringent food safety and quality regulatory framework, which provides a significant competitive advantage when supplying markets like the United States that demand high food safety standards. The company's walnut processing capabilities include shelling, sorting by size and color, grading to international standards, and packaging in various formats suitable for both industrial and retail customers. Their ability to supply consistently graded walnut kernels in commercial quantities (as demonstrated by the 5,612 kg shipment to Turlock Nut Company) positions them as a reliable international walnut supplier.

Quality Standards for Shelled Walnuts

Shelled walnuts traded internationally, including those imported into the US under HS code 080232, are subject to well-defined quality standards that govern their grading, packaging, and labeling. Understanding these standards is essential for both suppliers and buyers operating in the walnut import-export market.

Color Grading: Walnut kernels are graded on a color scale that ranges from extra-light to amber. Lighter kernels command premium prices because they are preferred by the baking and confectionery industries where visual appearance directly impacts consumer perception and product quality. The California Walnut Commission has established widely referenced color standards that serve as benchmarks for international trade.

Size Classification: Shelled walnut halves are sorted into size categories including jumbo, large, medium, and baby halves, along with various broken and piece designations (such as quarters, eighths, and meal). Larger halves are more valuable and are typically used in premium applications like garnishing and snack mixes, while smaller pieces and meal are used in baking, ice cream, and processed food applications.

Packaging and Shelf Life: Proper packaging is critical for maintaining walnut quality during international shipping. Shelled walnuts are highly susceptible to oxidation due to their high oil content (approximately 60-65% fat), which can lead to rancidity if not properly protected. Standard export packaging includes vacuum-sealed inner bags, nitrogen flushing to displace oxygen, and moisture-resistant outer cartons. When stored at recommended temperatures (0-4°C for long-term storage), shelled walnuts can maintain acceptable quality for 12-18 months or longer.

Frequently Asked Questions About US Walnut Importers

− What is HS code 080232 for walnuts?
HS code 080232 classifies shelled walnuts, whether or not in shell, under the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System. This specific six-digit code covers walnut kernels that have been removed from their protective outer shell and are ready for direct use in food processing, baking, confectionery, or retail packaging. The code falls within Chapter 08 (Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or melons) of the HS nomenclature and is used by customs authorities worldwide to classify walnut imports for tariff assessment, trade statistics, and regulatory compliance purposes.
− Who are the largest walnut importers in the United States?
The largest walnut importers in the United States include Turlock Nut Company, Diamond Foods (now part of Blue Diamond Growers), Mariani Nut Company, and Hammons Products Company. These companies source shelled walnut kernels primarily from China, Chile, Germany, and Ukraine for distribution across North American food manufacturing, bakery, confectionery, and retail channels. Bill of lading data shows consistent purchasing patterns from these companies, with import volumes varying based on domestic crop conditions and global price dynamics.
− How much shelled walnut does the United States import annually?
The United States imports approximately 15,000 to 25,000 metric tons of shelled walnuts annually, depending on domestic crop conditions, global pricing, and seasonal demand patterns. Despite being the world's second-largest walnut producer (after China), the US still imports significant volumes to meet domestic demand during off-season periods and to access specific grades and price points available from international suppliers. China is consistently the largest source country, followed by Chile and the European Union.
− What countries export shelled walnuts to the US?
The primary countries exporting shelled walnuts to the United States include China (the largest supplier by volume, offering competitive pricing on standard and amber-grade kernels), Chile (a significant Southern Hemisphere supplier whose harvest season complements California's), Germany (serving as both a direct supplier and a processing hub for European walnut origins, with companies like Farmer's Snack GmbH), France, and Ukraine. Each source country offers different advantages in terms of pricing, quality grades, seasonality, and supply reliability.
− What are the quality grades for shelled walnuts imported into the US?
Shelled walnuts imported into the US are graded by kernel color (extra light, light, light amber, and amber), size (jumbo, large, medium, baby halves, and various piece categories), and by the percentage of sound kernels versus defects. The USDA Walnut Standards and the California Walnut Commission's industry specifications serve as the primary reference frameworks. Extra-light and light kernels command the highest prices and are preferred by the baking industry, while amber grades find applications in processing where color is less critical.
− What is the tariff rate for shelled walnuts imported into the US?
Shelled walnuts classified under HS code 080232 generally enter the United States with very low or zero tariff rates when imported from countries with normal trade relations status. The applied MFN (Most Favored Nation) duty rate is minimal, though specific rates may vary based on bilateral trade agreements, country of origin, and any applicable anti-dumping duties. Importers should verify current tariff schedules with US Customs and Border Protection, as trade policies can change.
− How can I find US walnut importers using bill of lading data?
Bill of lading databases like TurkExim provide detailed shipment records showing US walnut importers, their foreign suppliers, shipment volumes, trade dates, and product descriptions. By searching HS code 080232 in the trade database, businesses can identify active walnut buyers, track import volumes over time, analyze supply chain relationships, and discover new business opportunities in the US walnut market. This data is particularly valuable for walnut exporters seeking to establish direct relationships with US importers.
− What packaging is used for shelled walnut imports to the US?
Shelled walnuts imported into the US are typically packed in vacuum-sealed bags within 25 kg or 50 lb corrugated cartons for industrial use, nitrogen-flushed packages for extended shelf life, or retail-ready stand-up pouches for direct consumer sales. Bulk shipments use inner polyethylene liners within sturdy outer cartons to protect against moisture absorption, oxidation, and physical damage during ocean freight transit.
− What is the difference between in-shell and shelled walnut imports?
In-shell walnuts (HS 080231) are imported with their natural hard shell intact and are commonly used for holiday retail, cracking at home, and shell craft industries. Shelled walnuts (HS 080232) have the protective shell mechanically removed, yielding clean walnut kernels ready for direct use in food manufacturing, commercial bakeries, confectionery production, cereal and snack products, and food service applications. The shelled walnut segment typically commands higher per-kilogram values due to the additional processing involved.
− What certifications are required for walnut imports into the US?
Walnut imports into the US require compliance with FDA food safety regulations, valid phytosanitary certificates from the country of origin, and may require fumigation or irradiation treatment certificates. Commercial buyers often require additional certifications including HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points), ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management), BRC (British Retail Consortium), Global GAP, and USDA Organic certification for organic walnut products. Suppliers should verify specific certification requirements with their US buyers prior to shipment.

Tags: US shelled walnut importers, US walnut buyers, HS code 080232, walnut kernels import USA, Turlock Nut Company, Farmer's Snack GmbH, American walnut import data, US walnut trade statistics

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