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Brazil nuts: warning signs for new crop

April 9, 2025 at 12:20 PM , Der AUDITOR
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BRUSSELS/REUS. EU importers spent record amounts on Brazil nuts in the first quarter. Prospects for the new 2025/2026 crop are extremely worrying as the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council reports.

EU importers spend record amount

While EU Brazil nut imports for the first quarter peaked above 4,000 mt in 2023, they are now relatively flat at a much lower 2,500 mt. In terms of value, quite a different development has, however, taken place as EU importers spent a record EUR 21.577 million (USD 23.843 million) on Brazil nuts in the first three months of 2025. This also marks a remarkable 57% uprise on the EUR 13.600 million (USD 15.029 million) spent in the same period in 2024.

Leading trading and producing partner Bolivia supplied as much as 86% of the EU’s import volume in the first quarter. Yet, shipments are 6% down on last year. Contrary to this, imports from Peru have more than doubled. Shipments from Brazil are, however, 15% down. As much as 50% of the EU import volume was destined to Germany in the first quarter, followed by the Netherlands with 31% and Spain with 6%.

EU Brazil nut imports (kg)

Partner

2024

2025

Diff.

Bolivia

2,409,613

2,262,892

-6.1%

Peru

73,203

174,074

137.8%

Brazil

69,621

58,876

-15.4%

EU

0

7,843

-

Canada

-

1,632

-

Suriname

-

52

-

UK

48

29

-39.6%

Turkey

-

17

-

USA

2

9

350.0%

Iran

-

1

-

Others

20

0

-

Total

2,552,507

2,505,424

-1.8%

DG Taxud Customs Surveillance system, provisional data, 01/01-06/04
HS Code 08012200 – Fresh or dried Brazil nuts, shelled

Warning signs for 2025/2026 crop

As the INC’s final estimates for 2024/2025 issued in the “Statistical Review” for Brazil nuts show global in-shell production climbed by 6% to 92,700 mt as compared with 2023/2024 and global kernel production to 30,900 mt. While production was up in Bolivia and Peru, it flatlined in Brazil.

Harvesting for the new 2025/2026 marketing year, which started in March, has been completed. Yet, the outlook is far from encouraging environmental issues have reduced Brazil’s crop to a high degree and traders report that prices are on the rise. Raw material supplies are very limited in general forcing many local shippers to withdraw from the market in January and February, a sure sign that this year’s crop will be smaller. In addition, reports indicate that yields are smaller in some parts of the rainforest and crackers are speaking of smaller nut sizes.

Global Brazil nut production, in-shell basis (mt)

Country

2023/24

2024/25

Diff.

Bolivia

66,000

70,500

6.8%

Peru

14,400

14,700

2.1%

Brazil

7,500

7,500

0.0%

Total

87,900

92,700

5.5%

INC March 2025, Mar-Feb

 

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