Australian Almond Exports Outpace Production as China Drives Growth

The Almond Board of Australia recently released its crop estimate for the current season, predicting yields roughly in line with last season. The board’s chief executive officer, Tim Jackson, explained that the new estimate of 155,531 metric tons (kernel weight equivalent) was revised down from the pre-season forecast of 164,700 metric tons after severe frosts in September affected crops.

Conditions in major growing regions have been dry this season, Jackson confirmed, and some growers were able to begin harvesting two weeks earlier than usual. The dry conditions should lead to larger kernels and higher-quality in-shell nuts, and with prices at their highest level in five years, Jackson anticipates a profitable 2025/26 season. The additional 20,000 hectares planted in 2017, 2018 and 2019 should also help boost this year’s output.

Driven by demand from China and India, Australia’s almond sales exceeded the official crop intake to reach a record 158,339 metric tons by the end of 2024. According to the board’s most recent industry report, Australia’s almond exports to China totaled 75,053 metric tons to the end of 2024, a 130% increase on the previous season. Almond prices have risen significantly since the beginning of the 2024/25 season, and with two months remaining, carryover stocks from previous seasons continue to drive sales volumes.

Image: Pexels

This article was based on a Chinese article. Read the original article.