Pecans: South Africa benefits from China's tariff policy
October 1, 2025 at 12:51 PM ,
Der AUDITOR
99% of exports go to China
In South Africa, this year's pecan harvest is coming to an end, and the experts at Produce Report spoke to RP Campher from the South African Pecan Nut Producers Association. According to Campher, the crop is looking good with high yields. A new record has even been set: by CW 38, around 49,700 mt of in-shell pecans had been produced, of which 41,600 mt were exported. This is once again significantly more than last year's record result, when production stood at 37,157 mt, of which 33,708 mt were shipped overseas. Above all, the important exports to China remain stable at an extremely high level; a whopping 99% of South African exports of unshelled pecans are destined for the Asian country. In June, China introduced a zero-tariff policy for all products from the 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, which greatly benefits pecan exporters. The remaining South African pecans are processed into shelled kernels for the domestic and export markets.
Good quality
According to Campher and Produce Report, good weather and smooth processing and delivery processes have ensured a reliable supply. The quality is also impressive this year. Around 97% of exported pecans have a kernel yield of over 55%, and the kernel fullness and uniform size are very satisfactory. “These outcomes reflect ongoing improvements in South Africa’s cultivation practices, harvest management, processing capability and supply chain coordination”, states Produce Report.
EU imports up slightly
EU pecan imports since the beginning of the year are up 4.3% on the previous year. The USA is the most important supplier with 7,226 mt, despite a decline of 15.6% compared to the same period last year. Mexico follows in second place with 5,663 mt (+39.6%) and is followed by South Africa, which increased its shipments to the EU by a whopping 153.8%. The most important EU customers during the period mentioned were the Netherlands, Germany and Spain. The average import value is 9.95 EUR/kg, 7% above last year's level.
|
EU pecan imports, in mt |
|||
|
Partner |
2023/24 |
2024/25 |
Diff. |
|
USA |
8,558 |
7,226 |
-15.6% |
|
Mexico |
4,058 |
5,663 |
39.6% |
|
South Africa |
184 |
467 |
153.8% |
|
Argentina |
84 |
89 |
6.0% |
|
Brazil |
0 |
48 |
- |
|
Bolivia |
0,002 |
35 |
1,749,900.0% |
|
Others |
150 |
60 |
-60.0% |
|
Total |
13,034 |
13,588 |
4.3% |
|
DG AGRI TAXUD Customs Surveillance System, 01/01-28/09 08029910 Fresh or dried pecans |
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