In-shell almonds market in Northern America

Earlier Report Observations

The in-shell almonds market in Northern America grew from 1.72 million tons in 2018 to a peak of 2.35 million tons in 2020, reflecting a period of increased production.

Market volume began to contract from 2021, influenced by the acquisition of processor Hughson Nut by Olam International in late 2019, which altered the competitive landscape. A sustained, multi-year decline in almond-bearing acreage across the United States became the primary driver, directly reducing harvest yields and leading to a fall in the market size to 1.75 million tons by 2023.

During this downward trend, rising consumer demand for plant-based diets and almond-derived products like almond milk provided underlying support but could not counteract the supply constraints imposed by the shrinking cultivation area.

Production in-shell almonds in Northern America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of in-shell almonds, 2017-2020

World map of production of in-shell almonds, 2017-2020

Northern America's in-shell almond production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 2 345 thousand tons of in-shell almonds, marking a 22.6% year-over-year increase. From 2017 to 2020, production rose 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

Exports in-shell almonds from Northern America

Exports in kind, t

The market displayed significant volatility during this period. Import levels fluctuated dramatically, with a 11.1-fold difference between the low of 2 tons in 2018 and the high of 25 tons in 2019. In 2020, Northern America's in-shell almond exports totaled 20 tons, down 19.5% from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, dropping by 66.1%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019, surging by 1 008.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Mexico remained the primary destination for in-shell almonds from Northern America, accounting for 71.7% of total exports in volume. Other markets played a much smaller role during this period.

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, K $ US

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Export values reached their peak at 212 thousand US dollars in 2019 and hit a low of 5 thousand US dollars in 2018, representing a 40-fold shift. In 2020, exported in-shell almond volumes from Northern America amounted to 138 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp decline of 34.9% compared to the prior year. The largest decrease was in 2018, falling by 83.4%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019, jumping by 3 888.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Mexico was the key buyer of in-shell almonds from Northern America in value terms, taking 83.4% of total exports. A diverse group of other countries accounted for the remaining share.

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 in-shell almonds to Northern America

Imports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Import volumes varied significantly, with a 45-fold difference between the low of 24 tons in 2019 and the high of 1 089 tons in 2020. In 2020, in-shell almond volumes in Northern America reached 1 089 tons, representing a steep increase of 4 390.4% compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, dropping by 93.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain (0.7% of imports in volume), Afghanistan (0.5%), and Tunisia (0.5%) were the leading sources in the import structure for in-shell almonds, together accounting for 1.7% of total flows.

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, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import values peaked at 6 381 thousand US dollars in 2019 and were lowest at 5 thousand US dollars in 2017, showing a 4-fold gap. In 2020, Northern America's in-shell almond import volume reached 5 965 thousand US dollars, equivalent to a contraction of 6.5% versus the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, rising by 225.6%.

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

In the period from 2017 to 2020, Spain and Afghanistan led the ranking of suppliers of in-shell almonds to Northern America in value terms, with a combined share of 1.2% of total imports.

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

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