In-shell almonds market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

The South American in-shell almond market expanded consistently from 2018 to 2022, with volume growing from 41 611 tons to 49 946 tons. Production increases drove this growth, as domestic output rose from 41 472 tons to 49 729 tons over the same period, while imports and exports remained minimal in comparison.

In 2023, market volume dipped to 47 645 tons, reflecting a slight contraction in production. For 2024, key developments included the first large-scale mechanized harvest in Argentina's almond-growing region of Neuquén, aimed at improving harvest efficiency and export readiness. Additionally, Brazil secured access to five new export markets for almonds within the Eurasian Economic Union, broadening international trade opportunities for South American producers.

Globally, in-shell almonds have gained popularity as a rustic snack, with demand growing at an annual rate of 8% in regions like the Middle East and Southeast Asia, which may influence export-oriented production in South America.

Production in-shell almonds in South America

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of in-shell almonds, 2017-2020

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

South America's in-shell almond production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 45 955 tonnes of in-shell almonds, marking a 6.2% year-on-year increase. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 23.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 7.2%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of South America's in-shell almond output reached 236.9 million US dollars, up 1.9% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 17.2%, averaging 5.4% growth per year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 244.4 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 4.9% drop. The most significant increase was seen in 2018, with a 20.9% rise.

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

Exports in-shell almonds from South America

Exports in kind, t

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2020, while the highest occurred in 2019, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 4.4 times. In 2020, South America's foreign in-shell almond supplies stood at 45.5 tonnes, a 77.5% decrease compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 202.1 tonnes, and the largest increase was in 2018 with a 71.2% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Spain, and India were consistently the main destinations for in-shell almond exports in volume terms, accounting for 36.9%, 17.7%, and 12.4% of exports, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 67.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Exports varied by a factor of 4.6, with a high in 2019 and a low in 2020. In 2020, in-shell almond exports from South America reached 234 thousand US dollars, down 78.4% from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 086 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 with an 86.2% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Spain, and India remained the top markets for in-shell almond exports in value terms, collectively accounting for 66.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in-shell almonds to South America

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, South America's in-shell almond import volumes increased in 2020. The region imported 108.2 tonnes of in-shell almonds, showing a gradual uptick of 3.5% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 75.5%, equating to an average annual decline of 37.4%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 104.6 tonnes, and the largest decline occurred in the same year with a 65.0% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Portugal were the leading sources for in-shell almond imports to South America in volume terms, together accounting for 19.4% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during the period. Imports varied by a multiple of 7.2, with a high in 2017 and a low in 2019. In 2020, in-shell almond deliveries to South America came to 422 thousand US dollars, indicating a steep uptick of 34.5% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 314 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline occurred in the same year with a 77.5% drop.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the United States, Portugal, and Spain played leading roles in in-shell almond imports to South America in value terms, accounting for 41.3%, 7.2%, and 0.6% of imports, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 49.1% of total import flows.

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

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