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
Jul 13, 2026
NEW DELHI/HANOI. At cashew origins in Africa, the season for raw cashew nuts (RCN) is largely over. Vietnam increased its RCN imports by 15% in the first five months of this year. EU countries imported 8.5% more cashew kernels in the first half of 2026.
Nuts
Jul 13, 2026
NEW DELHI/BUENOS AIRES. Prices for Indian peanuts continue to rise, supported by lower sowing volumes and government purchases. In Argentina, producers are struggling with high moisture content, yet the country remains the EU’s main supplier.
Nuts
Jul 9, 2026
FOLSOM. As the June Position Report issued by the California Walnut Board and Commission shows monthly domestic shipments cannot keep up with the general trend. In-shell walnut exports are showing exciting gains and kernel shipments less so.
Nuts
Jul 9, 2026
ORDU. Speculations about the TMO, the impact of the stink bug and political events will shape the market dynamics for hazelnuts. Exporters see no need to worry about the preferential tariff rate for US tree nuts in the EU. Exports clearly gained in June.