Almonds market in Northern America

Earlier Report Observations

The almond market in Northern America expanded from 1.7 million tons in 2018 to 2.3 million tons in 2020. This growth was fueled by a 6.3% increase in harvested almond area in 2018, which raised production, and by advances in precision irrigation that improved orchard efficiency in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further accelerated demand as consumers shifted toward healthier foods, including almond-based products.

After reaching its peak, the market volume contracted to 1.8 million tons by 2023. Macroeconomic factors, notably inflation and volatile raw material prices in 2022, increased costs and reduced consumption. Throughout the downturn, consumer preference for plant‑based alternatives remained strong, with almond milk sales reaching $1.55 billion in the U.S., and ongoing investments in processing and storage infrastructure aimed at strengthening market resilience.

Production almonds in Northern America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of almonds, 2017-2020

World map of production of almonds, 2017-2020

Almond production in Northern America has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 2 345 thousand tons of almonds, marking a 22.6% rise compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 36.6%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 11.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern America in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Almond production in Northern America has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the value of almond output in the region reached 15 210 million US dollars, reflecting a robust 20.4% increase from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production value rose by 45.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern America in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports almonds from Northern America

Exports in kind, t

The market experienced noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 31 tons, while the peak occurred in 2017, with a 5.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, almond shipments from Northern America to abroad totaled 136 tons, up 34.1% from the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 82.8%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 226.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Northern America in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of exports in kind was highly diversified. Spain accounted for 17.8% of exports, Mexico for 10.5%, and the United Kingdom for 5.2%, together making up only 33.5% of total flows. The remaining 66.5% consisted of a long tail of smaller markets.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Northern America in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 0.2 million US dollars, while the highest occurred in 2017, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 5.5 times. In 2020, Northern America exported 0.9 million US dollars of almonds, which is 31.7% more than the prior year. The largest decline was in 2018 at 81.9%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 237.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Northern America in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, there was no single dominant market for almonds in value terms. Spain held 12.2% of exports, Mexico 11.3%, and the United Kingdom 3.5%, together accounting for only 27.0% of total export value. Many smaller partners each contributed modest individual shares to the remainder.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Northern America in value, 2017-2020

Imports almonds to Northern America

Imports in kind, t

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 995 tons, while the high was in 2017, with a 56-fold variation between these years. In 2020, imported almond volumes in Northern America totaled 1 879 tons, showing an 88.8% gain from a year earlier. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 98.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Northern America in kind, 2017-2020, t

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Spain was the main source for almond imports to Northern America, absorbing 2.1% of total imports in kind.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Northern America in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year advance, Northern America's almond imports declined. In 2020, the region imported 196.0 million US dollars of almonds, down 4.3% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 204.9 million US dollars. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 3.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.0%. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 7.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Northern America in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Spain remained the main supplier of almonds to Northern America, with a share of 2.7% of total imports in value terms.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Northern America in value, 2017-2020