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Macadamia nut imports and exports, Germany and the EU

August 9, 2017 at 9:06 AM , Der AUDITOR
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FRANKFURT. Australia is the biggest global producer. The latest import and export figures, however, illustrate a shifting trend in Germany.

 

Macadamias are characterised by an incredibly hard shell, which is almost impossible to crack. For this reason, they are mainly sold without shells. They can, however, be obtained in different varieties such as salted or roasted. Macadamia tetraphylla and integrifolia are most commonly traded. The nuts originate in Eastern Australia, namely in Queensland and in New South Wales.

The harvests take place from March till September. A tree can carry up to 50 kg. Drying takes several weeks during which the moisture content is reduced to 1.5-2.0%. Since the nuts contain much fat (>70%) macadamia oil is used for the cosmetics industry.

Macadamia nut production in mt

country

2017/18*

avg 2013-17

Australia

44,000

43,630

South Africa

41,430

41,104

Kenya

32,000

26,850

USA

17,900

16,924

China

12,000

7,280

Guatemala

9,450

8,652

Malawi

6,297

6,280

Brazil

4,500

5,046

Colombia

1,000

1,000

New Zealand

229

526

others

20,285

10,988

world

188,862

167,754

INC                                          *estimate

 

Global annual production has steadily increased over the last five years from 144,380 mt to193,462 mt (+34%). Australia is the biggest producer (43,630 mt) and South Africa (41,104 mt) takes second place. Kenya (26,850 mt) and the USA (16,924 mt) should also be noted.

The EU mainly imports macadamias from Africa. Imports from South Africa have even risen from 1,845 mt to 2,439 mt over the last three years, whereas imports from Australia remain relatively stable at 1,100 mt. Although exports from the EU to third countries have also steadily increased, as little as 250 mt were shipped in 2016.

Contrary to this, the trade within the EU has diminished. The biggest suppliers are the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and Poland. Germany is the biggest importer, followed by Luxembourg, Spain and the Netherlands.

Although Germany mainly imports macadamia from Australia, imports from the country have nevertheless almost shrunk by half over the last three years, namely from 1,760 mt to 997 mt. The focus is shifting towards the Netherlands, Kenya and South Africa.

Customs Tariff Number 08026200 Fresh or dried macadamia nuts, shelled

INC, European Commission, Federal Statistical Office of Germany

 

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