Macadamias: Myanmar could soon be shipping to China
October 22, 2025 at 12:55 PM ,
Der AUDITOR
Significant crop decline in South Africa
Estimates for the 2025 macadamia crop have been revised downwards in some key producing countries, according to experts at ofi. In South Africa, for example, the crop is now expected to total only 85,166 mt, which would represent a decline of 8.8% compared to the previous SAMAC forecast. Some reports even mention only 78,000 mt. SAMAC cites adverse weather conditions and reduced agricultural inputs as the reasons for this. The weather problems range from an overly warm autumn to cold and hail damage, and the reduced use of fertilisers and pesticides is having a noticeable impact on the quantity and quality of the crop.
Quality concerns in Australia
In Australia, the decline in crop forecasts is even more pronounced; the initial estimate was 55,000 mt, but this has now been revised downwards by a whopping 28% to just 40,000 mt. Persistent rainfall in the growing regions has led to crop failures and delays, and concerns about quality are emerging. According to ofi, farmgate prices opened 20% higher than last year. Macadamias, which were originally native to Australia's rainforests, are the only indigenous Australian crop that has successfully found its way into international markets. African exporters currently have a tariff advantage on shipments to Europe, so European buyers often prefer goods from South Africa or Kenya, for example. Australian growers are now set to benefit from a new research initiative that promises improved long-term crop forecasts to facilitate strategic planning.
China publishes requirements for imports from Myanmar
In China, this year's crop estimate is 74,500 mt of dried macadamias, making the country the world's second-largest macadamia producer. Some local estimates are slightly lower, and the harvest is expected to be completed in November. Despite its large domestic crop, the country relies on imports, and the General Administration of Customs recently announced phytosanitary requirements for macadamia nuts from Myanmar. In Myanmar, macadamia nut trees are now grown on 4,850 hectares and harvested twice a year. New Light of Myanmar summarises the import conditions for shipments to China as follows: " Hard-shell macadamia nuts must be dehydrated using drying machines and must be free from pests and impurities. During processing, nuts with physical damage, cracking, mould, or weed seeds must be removed. [...] Packaging must use clean and hygienic materials that meet food safety and plant quarantine standards and prevent leakage during transport".
EU imports significantly higher
EU macadamia imports rose by almost 29% in the period from 1 January to 19 October 2025 compared with the same period last year. South Africa remains by far the most important supplier, increasing its shipments by a good 38% to 4,408 mt, followed by Kenya (+21.7% to 1,966 mt) and Australia (+27.6% to 702 mt). The Netherlands is the most important buyer, followed by Germany and Spain. The import value in the above-mentioned period amounts to a good EUR 93 million; with an average import price of EUR 11.29/kg, it is 36.5% above last year's level.
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EU macadamia imports, in mt |
|||
|
Partner |
2024 |
2025 |
Diff. |
|
South Africa |
3,193 |
4,408 |
38.1% |
|
Kenya |
1,615 |
1,966 |
21.7% |
|
Australia |
550 |
702 |
27.6% |
|
Malawi |
549 |
491 |
-10.6% |
|
Guatemala |
268 |
264 |
-1.5% |
|
Others |
224 |
414 |
84.8% |
|
Total |
6,399 |
8,245 |
28.8% |
|
DG AGRI TAXUD Customs Surveillance System, 01/01-19/10 08026100+08026200 Macadamias, shelled and in-shell |
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