Nuts: EU imports at all time high

EU spending still on the rise

Total EU fresh and dried nut imports reached a record high EUR 4.2 billion (USD 4.9 billion) in the first half of 2026 thereby marking the third consecutive year of continuous growth in the first half. While the USA traditionally received 49% of the EU’s import value in the first six months of recent years, this share only ranged a bit higher at 50% in the current year. With a market share of 10% Vietnam is the EU’s second most important trading partner for fresh and dried nuts, followed by Argentina with a market share of 7%. Within the EU, Germany is by far the main importing member state by accounting for 29% of the EU’s total import value in the first six months of 2026. Next in line are Italy with 19% and the Netherlands with 18%

Pistachios

In the first half of the year the EU imported 96,181 mt worth a record EUR 919 million (USD 1.06 billion) of pistachios. While this marks a 3% decline on the record volume of 109,902 mt imported in the same period last year, the export value has risen by 10%. With a market share of 84% the USA are the main trading partner by far in 2026, followed by Iran with only 5% and Jordan with 4%. Within the EU Germany accounts for 32% of the EU’s spending on pistachios this year so far, followed by Italy with 23% and Spain with 14%.

Almonds

For almonds, the import value is showing a nominal 1% dip to EUR 832 million (USD 962 million) as compared with last year’s EUR 840 million (USD 971 million). In terms of volume imports have declined by 7%, from 159,401 mt in the first half of 2025 to 148,117 mt in the first half of the current year. As much as 96% of the EU’s import value was directed towards the USA in the first half of the year, Australia only accounted for 2% and Vietnam for much less than 1%. With 29% Spain is the main EU importing member state in terms of value this year so far with Germany (22%) and Italy (19%) next in line.

Cashews

EU cashew nut imports climbed to a record 97,651 mt worth EUR 609 million (USD 704 million) between January and June 2026. This is 9% up in terms of volume and 4% up in terms of value on the 97,651 mt worth EUR 585 million (USD 677 million) registered in the same period in 2025. With a market share of 70% in terms of value Vietnam is the main trading by far this year. Côte d’Ivoire holds a market share of 19% and India of 5%. Germany (38%) is the main EU importing country with the Netherland (30%) and Spain (8%) next in line.

Hazelnuts

For hazelnuts, the EU import value has skyrocketed by 62% to a record EUR 511 million (USD 591 million) in the first half of 2026. In terms of volume, imports also exceed 50,000 mt for the first time on record. In addition, this is 15% up on last year’s 43,757 mt. With a market share of 27% each Chile, Turkey and the USA are the most important trading partners for the EU in the current calendar year. This marks a seismic shift as top producing country Turkey accounted for an average 49% of the EU’s import value in 2011-2026, Chile for a much smaller 19% and the USA for only 7%. Italy accounts for as much as 50% of the total import value, Germany for 27% and Spain for 6%.

Walnuts

After reaching a record EUR 541 million (USD 626 million) in the first half of 2025, the EU import value for walnuts ranges 11% lower at EUR 484 million (USD 560 million) this year. Yet, it should be noted that this still is the second highest value on record. At 101,866 mt, imports only range a bit lower than last year’s record 102,155 mt in terms of volume. As much as 62% of the EU’s total import value was directed towards the USA in the first half of the current year. China received 18% and Chile 8%. With a share of 39% Germany is the main EU importing country in terms of value. Spain (17%) and Italy (13%) rank second and third.

Peanuts

While EU imports reached a record 369,723 mt worth EUR 592 million (USD 685 million) in the first half of 2025, they now stand 3% lower in terms of volume and as much as 24% lower in terms of value, namely at 359,727 mt worth EUR 452 million (USD 523 million). With a market share of 62% in terms of value Argentina is the most important trading for the EU, followed by China (10%) and Egypt (6%). The Netherlands account for 48% of the EU’s total import value, Italy for 9% and Spain for 8%.

Pecans

EU pecan nut imports hit a record 12,306 mt worth EUR 136 million (USD 157 million) in the first half of 2026. This also marks a 32% rise in terms of volume and a 19% increase in terms of value on the 9,299 mt worth EUR 92 million (USD 106 million) imported in the same period in 2025. While the USA held an average market share of 60% in terms of value in the past five years, Mexico currently is the main trading partner for the EU with a market share of 52%, followed by the USA with 43%. China is next in line with a much smaller 4%. Within the EU the Netherlands presently account for 37% of the EU’s total import value, Germany for 35% and Spain for 9%.

Pine nuts

EU pine nut imports not only exceed EUR 100 million (USD 116 million) but have also jumped by 19% as compared with last year’s EUR 98 million (USD 113 million) to a record high in the first six months of 2026. By contrast, imports have fallen by 8% from last year’s record high of 5,785 mt to 5,333 mt in the current year. China currently holds a near monopoly of 81% in terms of value, followed by Turkey with 15% and Afghanistan with as little as 1%. While Russia featured as the third most important trading partner in recent years, the country now only ranks in eighth position. Germany accounts for more than half of the EU’s total import value with Italy (23%) and Spain (8%) next in line.

Macadamias

Macadamia nuts are sporting another record as imports rose to an all-time high of 4,458 mt worth EUR 47 million (USD 54 million) in the first six months of the current calendar year. This is also a stunning 33% higher in terms of volume and 28% more in terms of value than the 3,337 mt worth EUR 37 million (USD 43 million) witnessed in the same period last year. In the current year, South Africa accounts for as much as 51% of the EU’s total import value so far. Kenya has a market share of 25% and Australia of 10%. In accounting for 40% of the EU’s total import value in this year the Netherlands are the main EU importing country. Germany (32%) and Spain (12%) rank in second and third position.

Brazil nuts

EU Brazil nut imports did not retain last year’s record 5,944 mt worth EUR 57 million (USD 66 million) in the first half of 2026. Imports rather fell by 26% in terms of volume and by 18% in terms of value to 4,351 mt worth EUR 47 million (USD 54 million). Bolivia (80%), Peru (12%) and Brazil (4%) currently are the main trading partners for the EU, whereas the Netherlands (46%), Germany (28%) and Spain (12%) are the main importing countries.

Kola nuts

EU kola nut imports have surged to an extraordinary record of EUR 25 million (USD 29 million) in terms of value. Yet, they have slumped by 51% in terms of volume to as little as 191 mt on the 389 mt worth EUR 1.4 million (USD 1.6 million) recorded in the first half of 2025. Two countries almost exclusively account for these trade flows, namely Côte d’Ivoire and France. While Côte d’Ivoire has accounted for an average of 77% of the EU’s total import value in the first half of recent years, this share has now surged to 98% in the current year with Jamaica and India holding less than 1%. Within the EU France accounts for a stunning 99% of the EU’s total import value.

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