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Walnuts: March exports increase by 68%

April 15, 2021 at 9:21 AM , Der AUDITOR
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SACRAMENTO/SANTIAGO. March was a good month for the US walnut industry with a strong export demand, offsetting declining domestic demand.

Walnuts remain in demand

Good global crop results worldwide ensure sufficient availability of most varieties in the international walnut market, even if demand exceeds supply for individual varieties. The increase in US production by 20% to 711,009 mt of in shell walnuts enables very good export figures this season. March exports are also impressive with an increase of 68% to 27,045 mt of walnuts with and without shell. Higher shipments to Germany (+13% to 4,102 mt), Italy (+155% to 1,110 mt) and Spain (+58% to 1,962 mt), among others, as well as Turkey (+159% to 2,574 mt) and the UAE (+36% 2,166 mt) compared to the same month last year were able to compensate for the decline in domestic demand which fell by 15% to 8,762 mt. Total walnut shipments since the beginning of the season amount to 302,519 mt, which is 20% more than this time last year. While domestic demand declined by 2% to 61,264 mt, export volumes rose by 28% to 241,255 mt this season.

US walnut shipments, in mt

Destination

2019/20

2020/21

Diff.

Europe

74.968

74.526

-1%

Asia/Oceania

38.812

56.840

46%

Africa/Middle East

67.703

99.810

47%

Central/South America

320

180

-44%

North America

68.126

67.725

-1%

Others

1.444

3.439

138%

Total

251.373

302.519

20%

California Walnuts; since the start of the season

Chilean crop soon available

In addition to the abundant US crop, the new crop from Chile will soon be available on the market. However, Calconut experts estimate that a quarter of the production is already tied up in contracts. On the European spot market, US Chandler walnuts, in shell  are currently being traded for EUR 2.20/kg FCA Spain, while traders are asking around EUR 5.10/kg for light large pieces.

Walnuts, USA

Type

EUR/kg

Light large pieces

5.10

Walnut kernels, Combo, 20% HP

4.65

In shell, Tulare, Jumbo

2.10

In shell, Chandler, Jumbo

2.20

FCA Spain

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