Pistachios: diverging trends
January 21, 2026 at 8:49 AM ,
Der AUDITOR
Domestic demand follows different path
At 119 million pounds total monthly shipments may have ranged a stunning 52% higher than the 78 million pounds shipped in December 2024, yet this volume fell short of the record 165 million pounds registered in December 2023. Monthly exports followed a similar pattern in December 2025. At 97 million pounds exports stood an impressive 65% higher than the 60 million pounds recorded in December 2024, yet 22% lower than the 43 million pounds shipped in December 2023.
However, the story is a bit different for the domestic market. While domestic shipments reached 22 million pounds in December 2025, which is 17% up on the 19 million pounds registered in December 2024, this is nearly flat on the volume registered in December 2023. At 86 million pounds year-to-date domestic shipments even range 6% higher than in 2024/2025 and 3% higher than the 83 million pounds observed in 2023/2024.
Exports are 27% up on last year at 406 million pounds but 5% down on the 428 million pounds shipped in 2023/2024. Grand total year-to date shipments have also risen by 23% on last year to 491 million pounds but have declined by 4% on the record 511 million pounds witnessed in 2023/2024.
Extensive shifts in exports
Exports have shifted considerably this season so far. While China still was the leading destination in 2024/2025, the picture has completely changed this season amid the uncertain turn trading environment with the USA. China is now instead apparently sourcing in other Asian countries, which explains the sharp uprise in shipments to Vietnam, Hong Kong and Malaysia. At 200 million pounds total shipments to Asia have risen by 16% as compared with last year’s 172 million pounds.
Despite shipments to Germany dropping by 6% the country still ranks third. By contrast, US exports to Spain and Italy have risen sharply. Shipments to Europe stand 23% higher than last year at 111 million pounds.
Exports to Turkey have surged by 89%. Issue is that this year’s production ranged 72% lower than last year’s record crop. In addition, the government has permitted imports from Iran and the USA to cap price increases with limited success. Exports to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have gained by similarly impressive volumes. In fact, total shipments to the Middle East/Africa range a sharp 82% higher than last year at 73 million pounds.
|
US pistachio shipments (1,000 pounds) |
|||
|
Destination |
2024/25 |
2025/26 |
Diff. |
|
Vietnam |
22,458 |
101,653 |
152.6% |
|
Hong Kong |
4,394 |
44,622 |
915.5% |
|
Germany |
40,032 |
37,641 |
-6.0% |
|
Turkey |
13,113 |
24,789 |
89.0% |
|
Spain |
13,442 |
17,067 |
27.0% |
|
Italy |
7,423 |
16,574 |
123.3% |
|
UAE |
8,530 |
16,029 |
87.9% |
|
China |
119,726 |
13,726 |
-88.5% |
|
Malaysia |
2,463 |
13,185 |
435.3% |
|
Saudi Arabia |
6,923 |
11,584 |
67.3% |
|
Others |
79,528 |
108,685 |
36.7% |
|
Total Domestic |
81,329 |
85,796 |
5.5% |
|
Total Exports |
319,032 |
405,555 |
27.1% |
|
Grand Total |
400,360 |
491,351 |
22.7% |
|
Administrative Committee for Pistachios, 01/09-31/12 |
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Wanky trade for US exporters
Crop receipts stood at a record 1.57 billion pounds on 31 December 2025 and the estimated market inventory at 912 million pounds. In a recent interview on California Ag Net, American Pistachio Growers President Zachary Fraser explained that these volumes are quite satisfactory. According to him, global consumption is “at a fever pitch” with health-conscious consumers discovering pistachios as a snacking alternative and product innovation exploding with pistachios as a key ingredient. Fraser reckons that this high demand will continue to sustain shipments in future.
Yet, he also highlights that “trade is wanky” with changes occurring almost daily and that the tariffs in China are a big deal. Growers also only have “cautiously bright prospects”. Although demand will remain high, water is a serious issue along with costs and regulations.
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