Free of charge

Pecans: US exports to Mexico drop rapidly

June 29, 2021 at 9:13 AM , Der AUDITOR
Play report as audio

ATLANTA. The USA has exported large quantities of raw pecans to Mexico in recent years - but one should take a closer look at this data. Since this season, there have been significant declines in exports.

Just a brief stopover

Looking at the US export data of recent years, one quickly gets the impression that Mexico is the largest buyer of US pecans after the US itself. However, this is only partly true, as Pecan Report states. Fact is that a large quantity of pecans is shipped to Mexico, but only for a stopover. Producers take advantage of cheap labour wages in the neighbouring country to have the nuts shelled in shelling plants there before they are shipped back to the US. Since the US and Mexico have an open trade border, this is a fairly efficient and cost-effective way to have pecans shelled. While Mexico also imports US pecans for its own consumption, it does so much less than the data suggest.

Mexico changes procedure

According to the Pecan Report, however, the numbers could change in the future. More and more Mexican shelling companies are starting to market their own products, so the demand for US goods is decreasing. Especially in the northern states, the Central American country itself has large pecan plantations, and modern processing facilities are also available. While Mexico had purchased around 4,536 mt of raw pecans from the USA in the previous season up to May 2020, this quantity is said to have already declined noticeably in the current season with only 907 mt.

On the European spot market, prices for Fancy Mammoth Halves continue to decline and are currently at EUR 9.55/kg FCA Spain. Prices for Fancy Junior Mammoth Halves, however, have increased slightly.

US Pecans

Type

EUR/kg

Shelled, Fancy Junior Mammoth Halves

9.40

Shelled, Fancy Mammoth Halves

9.55

FCA Spain

View more information 
- price charts

View related articles

Go to the News Overview
Nuts
Oct 20, 2026
FRESNO. US exports have started the new season with a record for pistachios. Demand is on the rise in Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Yet, the market situation is difficult.
Nuts
Oct 19, 2026
CANBERRA. The first half of the Australian almond season has been a mixed bag. Heavy rainfall at the start of the year has hampered the harvest. At the same time, almond exports reached a new record in August 2026.
Nuts
Oct 19, 2026
NEW DELHI. Prices for Indian peanuts have risen significantly recently; however, market experts view the rise with scepticism and expect further fluctuations. Developments in the edible oils market are also playing a role.
Nuts
Oct 19, 2026
NEW DELHI/HO CHI MINH. Mozambique’s reference price for raw cashew nuts stands 7% higher than last year. Demand is starting to shift in Vietnam. Expectation is that last-minute orders will save the day in India.