Shelled almonds market in Africa

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the African shelled almond market volume grew steadily from 128.1 thousand metric tons to 195.8 thousand metric tons. Domestic production increased through 2022, reaching 145.4 thousand metric tons, but contracted in 2023 to 135.0 thousand metric tons. Despite this dip in output, the overall market continued to expand due to a substantial rise in imports.

Imports played a pivotal role in market growth, climbing from 14.9 thousand metric tons in 2018 to 65.9 thousand metric tons in 2023. This fourfold increase made imported almonds a major component of supply. Exports also grew during the period, albeit from a low base, peaking at 5.1 thousand metric tons in 2023 before falling in 2024.

In 2024, import volume reached 69.7 thousand metric tons while exports dropped to 3.2 thousand metric tons. Broader agricultural factors, including drought conditions linked to the El Niño weather pattern and evolving consumer preferences toward sustainable products, influenced the trade dynamics for almonds in the region.

Production shelled almonds in Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of shelled almonds, 2017-2020

World map of production of shelled almonds, 2017-2020

Africa's shelled almond production has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the continent produced 120.9 thousand tonnes of shelled almonds, marking a 3.0% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 4.5%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 114.5 thousand tonnes, with the largest year-on-year decline of 1.0% also occurring that year.

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

Exports shelled almonds from Africa

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend over the analyzed period. Export volumes reached their peak in 2017 and fell to their lowest point in 2018, with the difference between these years being 7.9 times. In 2020, Africa's shelled almond exports amounted to 2 121 tonnes, representing a 25.2% increase from 2019. The minimum export volume was recorded in 2018 at 1 379 tonnes, with the largest decline of 87.4% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, shelled almond exports were distributed across a wide range of partner countries. The United States accounted for 7.2% of exports in kind, the Netherlands for 6.1%, and Germany for 4.4%. Together, these three countries made up just 17.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of decline, Africa's cross-border shipments of shelled almonds have rebounded. In 2020, the continent exported 11.0 million US dollars worth of shelled almonds, up by 61.8% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, however, exports decreased by 55.3%, which corresponds to an average annual decline of 23.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 6.8 million US dollars, with the largest drop of 62.7% occurring in 2018.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the United States, the Netherlands, and Germany remained the key partners for Africa's shelled almond exports in value terms. The United States accounted for 29.7% of exports, the Netherlands for 18.3%, and Germany for 11.1%. Combined, these three countries represented 59.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports shelled almonds to Africa

Imports in kind, t

Africa's shelled almond imports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 32 424 tonnes, reflecting a sharp rise of 53.4% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 121.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 30.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States dominated Africa's shelled almond imports in kind, accounting for 72.5% of the total. The remaining imports were spread across a broad group of smaller countries.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Africa's shelled almond imports have risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 187.8 million US dollars, constituting a 34.8% increase from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 122.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 30.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of Africa's shelled almond imports in value terms was heavily concentrated on the United States, which held a 72.8% share of total flows. Other partners accounted for the remaining volume.

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

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