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Pistachios: Revised production estimates for 2018/19

March 20, 2019 at 12:19 PM , Der AUDITOR
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SACRAMENTO. The International Nut and Dried Fruit Council has revised its global production estimates. Among other things, global pistachio production is said to have risen by 31%.

Pistachio production rises by 31%

The INC now estimates global production at 771,494 mt, around 60,000 mt more than initially expected. This increase is mainly prompted by the better than expected crop in California. With production nearly ranging at 451,000 mt, California has witnessed a hike of 64% over 2017/18.

As much as 232,000 mt were produced in Turkey, an increase of 364% compared to 2017/18. Contrary to this, Iran suffered a severe setback. Heat caused production to decline by 77% to 52,000 mt. Supplies dropped to as little as 87,000 mt and exports declined by 93%.

In shell production in mt

Country

2017/18

2018/19

Diff.

USA

274,756

450,794

64.1%

Turkey

50,000

232,000

364.0%

Iran

225,000

52,000

-76.9%

Syria

17,000

20,000

17.6%

Afghanistan

10,000

5,000

-50.0%

Greece

4,000

4,000

0.0%

China

1,200

3,200

166.7%

Italy

2,250

2,500

11.1%

Australia

3,300

2,000

-39.4%

Total

587,506

771,494

31.3%

INC, March 2019

 

Exports rise by 20%

Driven by the rise in production, the US has so far exported a total of 192,453 mt since the start of the season. Overseas shipments range at 141,539 mt, an increase of 20%. Domestic consumption amounts to 50,914 mt. Exports to Germany increased by 54% to 11,747 mt, whereas shipments to Turkey declined by 7% to 4,862 mt as the local supply situation is excellent. Despite the trade differences between the USA and China, no setbacks were felt in the export market. In February exports, however, declined.  

US pistachio exports* in mt

Region

2017/18

2018/19

Diff.

Europe

28,401

37,343

31%

Asia/Oceania

68,904

80,421

17%

Africa/Middle East

14,874

16,929

14%

Central/South America

485

644

33%

North America

5,453

6,202

14%

Total

118,117

141,539

20%

Administrative Committee for Pistachios

*since the beginning of the season

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