Pecans: South Africa exports large quantities
July 21, 2026 at 4:53 PM ,
Der AUDITOR
Initial unofficial estimates
The South African pecan industry has expanded its presence in export markets over the past ten years. In the 2024/25 season, pecans accounted for around 2% of global tree nut production. With the 2026 harvest currently underway, processors had already taken 22,277 mt of pecans from growers by calendar week 27. Based on the average of the past four years, this represents 38.9% of the respective final crop total. Using this historical comparison, the estimated crop volume for the current season is around 57,300 mt, as reported by FreshPlaza, citing OFM. However, the South African Pecan Nut Producers Association (SAPPA) points out that weather conditions, seasonal variations, processing capacities and the timing of the harvest can influence the course of the season, and that this comparison does not replace an official crop estimate.
High export share
To date, South Africa has exported 9,224 mt of in-shell pecans from the new crop. Based on the volumes delivered so far, this represents 41.4% of the crop and is therefore higher than the figures for the years 2022 to 2024, as well as slightly above the 2025 level. Pecan plantations are regarded as a long-term investment, as the trees do not yield significant crops until seven years or more after planting. In 2025, Vaalharts remained the most important growing region, accounting for around 25,700 mt and therefore more than half of South Africa’s production.
Mexico becomes the EU’s leading supplier
EU pecan imports rose by just under a third in the first half of 2026 (1 January-5 July) compared with the same period last year. The leading supplier was Mexico, which saw its exports to the EU rise by a substantial 83.8% to 6,113 mt. The US, which had held a clear lead last year, slipped to second place with 5,478 mt. It was followed by China, South Africa and Argentina.
The largest buyers within the EU during the aforementioned period were the Netherlands (+14.4% to 4,690 mt), followed by Germany (+123.2% to 4,130 mt), Spain (+13.1% to 1,090 mt) and France (-16.8% to 783 mt). The average import price, at EUR 11.09/kg, was 12% above last year's level, meaning that the value of imports rose by more than 48% to just over EUR 136.44 million.
|
EU pecan imports, in mt |
|||
|
Partner |
2025 |
2026 |
Diff. |
|
Mexico |
3,326 |
6,113 |
83.8% |
|
USA |
5,426 |
5,478 |
1.0% |
|
China |
6 |
482 |
7,933.3% |
|
South Africa |
381 |
94 |
-75.3% |
|
Argentina |
70 |
70 |
0.0% |
|
Others |
90 |
69 |
-23.3% |
|
Total |
9,299 |
12,306 |
32.3% |
|
DG AGRI TAXUD Customs Surveillance System, 01/01-05/07 08029910 Fresh or dried pecans |
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