Macadamias: Germany reduces imports drastically
May 21, 2025 at 12:49 PM ,
Der AUDITOR
Global crop increases by almost 6%
At its congress, which took place from 8-10 May in Palma de Majorca, the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC) also revealed its estimates for global macadamia production in 2025. There were few surprises; the two most important producing countries, South Africa and China, will be able to increase their production by 7.1% and 7.2% respectively compared to 2024, meaning that South Africa remains in first place with 95,500 mt and China's crop is expected to amount to 74,500 mt. Australia, in third place, is also expecting a 3.7% higher crop of 55,960 mt. Guatemala recorded the most significant increase in the top 10 most important producers at 20.0%, while Brazil's crop is expected to be 23.1% smaller than last year. Globally, the INC expects production to increase by 5.8% to 343,310 mt in 2025.
|
Global macadamia production, in-shell, in mt |
|||
|
Country |
2024 |
2025 |
Diff. |
|
South Africa |
89,200 |
95,500 |
7.1% |
|
China |
69,500 |
74,500 |
7.2% |
|
Australia |
53,950 |
55,960 |
3.7% |
|
Kenya |
44,000 |
47,500 |
8.0% |
|
USA |
15,000 |
15,500 |
3.3% |
|
Guatemala |
10,000 |
12,000 |
20.0% |
|
Malawi |
10,200 |
11,000 |
7.8% |
|
Vietnam |
8,000 |
8,000 |
0.0% |
|
Brazil |
6,500 |
5,000 |
-23.1% |
|
Colombia |
1,100 |
1,150 |
4.5% |
|
Others |
17,100 |
17,200 |
0.6% |
|
Total |
324,550 |
343,310 |
5.8% |
|
INC, May 2025 |
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China's demand is crucial
Harvests are still in full swing, as the experts at OLAM report. In South Africa, processors started work in April and, as demand for macadamia nuts is particularly high, they have decided to crack most of the nuts locally instead of exporting them unshelled. The quality looks promising. In Kenya, processors also started their shipments in April. The export ban on in-shell macadamias remains in place to support the local industry, which struggled last year as high farm gate prices due to Chinese demand led to a decline in processing volumes and kernel exports, according to OLAM. The government's measures are now intended to stabilise the market.
Demand from China will also be decisive for the development of prices in Australia. Cyclone Alfred, which brought heavy rainfall, caused some crop damage in the main growing areas and delayed the harvesting process. Quality was also affected to a certain extent, but the market experts indicate that a recovery is expected here.
Germany reduces imports by almost 50%
EU macadamia imports are declining. In the period from 1 January to 11 May 2025, a total of 2,099 mt of macadamias worth EUR 22.85 million were delivered to EU countries, 19.1% less than in the same period of the previous year. The development of the export value is different, as it increased by 21.2% due to the higher average price per kilo of EUR 10.89/kg (2024: EUR 7.27/kg). The most important suppliers for EU buyers are South Africa (+2.9% to 1,223 mt), Australia (+33.5% to 347 mt) and Kenya (-64.3% to 287 mt). The largest buyer of macadamias within the European Union in the period mentioned was the Netherlands, followed by Germany, whose imports fell by a whopping 48% compared to the same period last year. Imports to Belgium, however, increased significantly, growing by 53.3% to 230 mt.
|
EU macadamia imports, in mt |
|||
|
Partner |
2024 |
2025 |
Diff. |
|
South Africa |
1,189 |
1,223 |
2.9% |
|
Australia |
260 |
347 |
33.5% |
|
Kenya |
804 |
287 |
-64.3% |
|
Malawi |
229 |
82 |
-64.2% |
|
Guatemala |
40 |
72 |
80.0% |
|
Vietnam |
36 |
35 |
-2.8% |
|
China |
11 |
25 |
127.3% |
|
Others |
25 |
28 |
12.0% |
|
Total |
2,594 |
2,099 |
-19.1% |
|
DG AGRI TAXUD Customs Surveillance System, 01/01-11/05 08026100+08026200 Macadamia nuts, shelled and in-shell |
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