Pistachios: Surprising demand in China
December 19, 2018 at 12:28 PM ,
Der AUDITOR
Just under 500,000 mt
By the end of November, US production was recorded at 451,690 mt, more than ever before. A steady expansion of the acreage and increase in yields have resulted in the current record crop. Producers have, however, reported that most pistachio kernels are smaller than usual. In combination with the carry-over stocks, supplies have so far reached nearly 500,000 mt.
Export volume up 26%
Domestic demand has reached 24,157 mt since the beginning of the season, only a few mt more than in the same period last year. The export volume has risen by 26% to 90,598 mt over last year. With 35,357 mt and 25,126 mt respectively, two thirds of the shipments were destined to China and Hong Kong, an increase of 28% over last year. Contrary to this, market players had initially expected a decline due to the rise in custom duties. China is one of the importing nations with the greatest purchasing power for US pistachios. In addition, this year’s crop in Iran of 55,000 mt is a good 75% lower than last year. Together with last year’s carry-over stocks, an estimated 40,000 mt of pistachios from Iran will be available on the export market this season.
Us exports to Europe have also increased by 26% this season so far. Germany has increased imports by 35% to 4,617 mt. The Netherlands (+15% to 2,638 mt) and Spain (+26% to 1,536 mt) have also increased their import volumes.
|
US pistachio exports* in mt |
|||
|
Country |
2017/18 |
2018/19 |
Diff. |
|
Europe |
12,474 |
15,671 |
26% |
|
Asia/Oceania |
50,285 |
66,218 |
32% |
|
Africa/Middle East |
6,078 |
4,894 |
-19% |
|
Central/South America |
240 |
389 |
62% |
|
North America |
2,985 |
3,426 |
15% |
|
Total |
72,062 |
90,598 |
26% |
|
Administrative Committee for Pistachios *since the beginning of the season |
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