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Macadamias: South Africa overtakes Australia

February 6, 2019 at 9:48 AM , Der AUDITOR
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CAPE TOWN/FRANKFURT. South Africa achieved an absolute production record last year. Production is in fact set to rise continuously over the next few years.

High expectations

An estimated 56,550 mt of in shells were harvested in South Africa in 2018. Production has thereby increased by 49% within two years considering that as little as 38,000 mt were harvested in 2016. This rise in production is encouraged by the steady increase in demand. By 2023, production is expected to reach almost 100,000 mt.

This year, production estimates rank at 58,006 mt (+2.6% year on year). Conditions were anything but ideal this year. A good flowering period in spring was followed by a hot summer with too little precipitation. Possible losses are, however, offset by the great number of young trees that are bearing fruit for the first time this year.  

Macadamia production* South Africa

Year

mt

2016

38,000

2017

44,610

2018

56,551

2019

58,006

2020

65,023

2021

73,789

2022

87,971

2023

98,775

SAMAC *in shell

 

South Africa is leading supplier for Germany

Macadimias from South Africa are well known for their good quality and exports are on the rise. Germany companies imported an estimated 3,300 mt of macadamias without shell (customs tariff number: 08026200) last year. As much as 937 mt originated in South Africa. A peak value to date, South Africa has de facto replaced Australia as the leading supplier for the first time on record.

The increase in production and processing capacities will enable South Africa to further enhance its role as supplier in the international market. Although the export volume was rather disappointing at the beginning of last year, which was partly due to high prices, the prices now are much more competitive. 

Macadamia imports, Germany in mt

Country

2017

2018*

Diff.

South Africa

533

937

75.9%

Australia

705

916

29.9%

Kenya

480

754

57.1%

Netherlands

521

517

-0.8%

Guatemala

6

82

1271.7%

Others

159

82

-48.2%

Total

2,404

3,289

36.8%

Federal Statistical Office of Germany   *estimate

 

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