Almonds: EU counter tariff sparks controversy
May 8, 2025 at 12:33 PM ,
Der AUDITOR
Exports up and running
Spain’s exports have bounced back this season. At 104,939 mt, they exceeded last year’s shipments by 21% for August 2024 through to February 2025. Exports to France may have only risen by a comparatively moderate 9%, yet the country has maintained its position as leading destination for Spain. Shipments to Germany and Italy have surged by an impressive 23% and 39% respectively. The Netherlands are also sporting a 66% rise. Exports to Egypt, the only non-European country within the top ten, have more than tripled. Monthly exports stood at 13,787 mt in February 2025, which is 11% up on February 2024.
|
Almond exports, Spain (mt) |
|||
|
Destination |
2023/24 |
2024/25 |
Diff |
|
France |
19,970 |
21,841 |
9.4% |
|
Germany |
17,059 |
21,034 |
23.3% |
|
Italy |
14,817 |
20,570 |
38.8% |
|
Netherlands |
2,988 |
4,969 |
66.3% |
|
Portugal |
3,838 |
3,664 |
-4.5% |
|
Poland |
2,769 |
2,985 |
7.8% |
|
Turkey |
1,384 |
2,872 |
7.5% |
|
Belgium |
2,353 |
2,591 |
10.1% |
|
UK |
3,075 |
2,513 |
-18.3% |
|
Egypt |
835 |
2,511 |
200.7% |
|
Others |
17,351 |
19,389 |
11.7% |
|
Total |
86,439 |
104,939 |
21.4% |
|
Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Trade, Spain, 01/08-28/02 |
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Hailstorm causes alarm in Valencia
Last week’s hailstorm in Valencia has made headlines. As the Valencian Farmers’ Association (AVA-ASAJA) reports a hailstorm hit the province on 22 April causing varying degrees of damage on a total of 8,500 ha. Losses were significant on an area of 2,400 ha with initial estimates ranging at EUR 3 million (USD 3.385 million). Stone fruits were most impacted with some farmers being confronted with 100% crop losses. Yet, the hailstorm also affected the citrus, persimmon and grape, avocado and almond crops.
The organisation is advocating for tax reliefs and direct aid for producers, who have not yet taken out insurance. Valencia contributed around 4-6% of Spain’s national almond production in 2023 and 2024. The most important producing provinces are Andalusia, Castile-la Mancha and Aragon.
European Commission misses opportunity
ASAJA Alicante is also angered by the fact that the EU’s reciprocal tariff of 25% for US almonds will only apply as of 1 December 2025 as local media report. The move is designed as a countermeasure for Trump’s 25% on EU steel and aluminium imports, which came into effect on 12 March. While industry leaders have welcomed the fact that the 1 December date provides some security, local producers in Spain feel let down.
Trouble is that local turrón producers have switched to cheaper California almond imports in recent years, which has put Spain’s producers at a disadvantage. They would much prefer to see the EU’s counter tariff to be implemented no later than 16 May as Californian almonds can now enter the Spanish market en masse in the middle of the nougat producing season.
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