Sulawesi Selatan is one of the major cashew-producing regions. According to data from IQFast Karantina Makassar, cashew exports from Sulawesi Selatan reached 238 tons throughout October 2023. Cashews are exported to various countries, including Malaysia, Thailand, Canada, the United States, Germany, South Korea, and Vietnam. During October, Karantina Makassar conducted 13 certifications for cashew nuts. Most recently, through the jurisdiction of the Makassar Main Sea Port, Karantina Makassar conducted certification for 36 tons of bulk cashews destined for Vietnam. The head of the Makassar Main Sea Port jurisdiction, Fahri, explained that these bulk cashews undergo a sample inspection before they depart for their destination. This inspection ensures that there are no Plant Quarantine Pests (OPTK) carried in the media of transportation.
Vietnam is one of the largest importers of bulk cashews from Indonesia, making regular imports from Sulawesi Selatan. Indonesian bulk cashews, primarily from Sulawesi, are known and favored for their quality, characterized by large, white cashews after peeling. "Beforehand, we conduct a physical examination by taking samples and sending them to the laboratory. Once we confirm they are free from OPTK, we issue a Phytosanitary Certificate (PC) or KT-10. These documents that we certify comply with the requirements of the destination country," explained Fahri.
