In-shell almonds market in Australia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2022, the Australian in-shell almond market expanded significantly, with market volume rising from 133.5 thousand tons to 315.2 thousand tons. This growth was fueled by increasing global demand for plant-based foods, driven by vegan and gluten-free diet trends, alongside substantial domestic investments in processing and export infrastructure. The entry of new players and adoption of precision irrigation technologies improved water efficiency, which was crucial in Australia's arid climate. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further boosted demand for almonds as a healthy snack, despite temporary supply-chain disruptions.

Production and market volume peaked in 2022 but fell in 2023 to 320 thousand tons and 282.2 thousand tons, respectively. The decline was primarily due to adverse weather conditions, including wind, hail, and flood damage, which affected crop yields and quality. Although global demand for Australian almonds remained strong, supported by the counter-seasonal supply and the product's sustainable image, the weather-related challenges constrained output.

Throughout the period, the industry remained export-oriented, with around 80% of production destined for international markets. Regulatory updates to labeling and packaging requirements aligned with Australian standards, while the development of uses for by-products like shells for bioenergy and animal feed contributed to the sector's sustainability and compliance with international norms.

Production in-shell almonds in Australia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Australia was one of the world's top producers of in-shell almonds from 2018 to 2021, ranking third globally by production volume.

Top producers of in-shell almonds, 2018-2021

World map of production of in-shell almonds, 2018-2021

Australia's in-shell almond production grew for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 316.0 thousand tonnes, marking a 22.5% increase from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, production rose by 82.7%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 22.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Australia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports in-shell almonds from Australia

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, Australia exported 51 150 tonnes of in-shell almonds, a sharp 63.7% jump compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 29.2%, averaging 8.9% growth per year. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 31 240 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 35.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, China and India dominated as the key markets for Australia's in-shell almond exports, together accounting for 91.3% of total shipments, with other countries making up the remainder.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Australia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

The export market showed volatility during this period. Exports dropped to a low in 2020 and peaked in 2019, with a 2.3-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Australia's in-shell almond exports were valued at 197.9 million US dollars, a sharp 81.7% increase from 2020. The minimum value was 108.9 million US dollars in 2020, while the maximum was 246.1 million US dollars in 2019, which also experienced the largest decline of 55.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, China and India were the primary destinations for Australia's in-shell almond exports in value terms, with other markets playing smaller individual roles.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Australia in value, 2018-2021

Imports in-shell almonds to Australia

Imports in kind, t

The import market displayed an unstable trend over this timeframe. Imports reached their lowest point in 2021 and peaked in 2019, showing a 13.4-fold variation. In 2021, Australia imported 38 tonnes of in-shell almonds, a steep 70.6% drop from the previous year. The maximum volume was 505 tonnes in 2019, which also saw the largest increase of 400.5%, while the largest decline of 74.6% occurred in 2020.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the United States was the dominant source for Australia's in-shell almond imports, accounting for 80.3% of total volume, with numerous minor partners contributing the rest.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Australia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

The import market exhibited volatility throughout the period. Imports fell to a trough in 2021 after peaking in 2019, with a 22-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Australia's in-shell almond imports were valued at 0.1 million US dollars, an 81.5% decrease from the previous year. The maximum value was 2.6 million US dollars in 2019, which also recorded the largest increase of 425.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Throughout 2018 to 2021, the United States led Australia's in-shell almond imports in value terms, holding an 80.2% share of total flows, while other markets collectively accounted for the remainder.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Australia in value, 2018-2021