Macadamias: big goals in South Africa
July 8, 2025 at 9:53 AM ,
Der AUDITOR
Doubling is possible
According to the news site Caxton, South Africa is increasingly positioning itself as the world's largest macadamia producer. Alex Whyte, director of the Green Farms Nut Company, says that although there are certainly hurdles, such as US tariffs, which are causing higher price pressure and a volatile market, the industry still plans to potentially double South African macadamia production over the next ten years. Despite the setbacks, this is still possible, according to Whyte.
The industry expert points out that the low prices in 2022-2024 are still having an impact on production today. At that time, some farmers had to clear their plantations or reduce the use of important inputs, which affected crop volumes. The INC estimates for 2025 are 95,500 mt for South Africa, while farmers themselves expect a possible crop of between 90,000 and 94,000 mt. This would still make South Africa the world's largest macadamia producer. The forecast for China this year is 74,500 mt, while the Australian Macadamia Society revised its estimate downwards just last week; Australia is now expected to harvest between 37,300 mt and 41,970 mt of macadamias.
50% of exports go to China
South Africa has between 1,300 and 1,500 macadamia nut growers, who farm an average of 50 hectares. The most important growing areas are in the north-east of Limpopo, in the east of Mpumalanga, in the coastal region of KwaZulu-Natal and in George in the Western Cape. 95% of production is currently destined for export, with China being the most important buyer, accounting for 50% of exports. This is followed by the US with 25% and Europe with 15%. Although US tariffs are causing difficulties for both suppliers and buyers, market experts remain optimistic that trade between the two countries will continue; due to low production levels, the US is dependent on imports to meet domestic demand. Whyte also points out to Caxton that macadamia production is a young industry in South Africa, so there is great potential for growth.
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