Shelled almonds market in South America, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The South American shelled almond market volume rose from 23,582 t in 2018 to 38,415 t in 2020, driven by growing consumption of almonds in products like almond milk and sports snacks, which boosted demand and opened the market to imports. Agricultural measures to valorize domestic almonds and increased use of certified organic almonds for products such as turrones further supported this expansion.

After reaching its peak, the market gradually declined to 35,435 t by 2023. Higher almond prices in 2021, resulting from increased production and international demand, tempered consumption. In 2023, a significant drop in almond prices occurred due to a lower U.S. harvest and reduced consumption in Europe amid weakened purchasing power, contributing to the market contraction.

Throughout the period, consumer preference for organic almonds and almond milk as a healthy alternative remained strong, supporting demand. By 2023, exports of shelled almonds had increased while imports fell, reflecting greater domestic processing and industrialization before export.

Production shelled almonds in South America

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of shelled almonds, 2017-2020

World map of production of shelled almonds, 2017-2020

South America's production of shelled almonds has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 22 007 tons of shelled almonds, representing a modest 8.5% increase compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 28.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.8%.

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

Exports shelled almonds from South America

Exports in kind, t

Exports of shelled almonds from South America have fallen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, shipments abroad totaled 2 128 tons, which is 58.4% lower than in 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 64.5%, with an average annual decline of 29.2%. The peak was in 2018, with 7 918 tons exported, marking the largest increase of 32.2% that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export market for shelled almonds from South America was quite diverse. Russia accounted for 23.2% of exports in volume, Italy for 4.5%, and Germany for 1.8%, together making up only 29.6% of total flows. The remaining 70.4% went to numerous other countries.

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, M $ US

After two years of growth, South America's exports of shelled almonds in value terms declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 43.0 million US dollars, a sharp decrease of 41.4% year-over-year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, exports still increased by 3.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 73.5 million US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 37.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the value of shelled almond exports from South America was not heavily concentrated in a few markets. Russia contributed 23.1% of export value, Italy 4.6%, and Germany 2.3%, together accounting for just 30.1% 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 shelled almonds to South America

Imports in kind, t

Imports of shelled almonds into South America rebounded after two years of decline. In 2020, imports totaled 18 536 tons, up 51.4% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 37.3%, with an average annual rate of 11.1%. The lowest point was in 2019 at 12 241 tons, and the largest drop occurred in 2018 at 4.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the dominant supplier for South America's shelled almond imports in volume, accounting for 65.8%. Australia followed with 2.4%, and Spain with 0.6%, together making up 68.7% 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, M $ US

In 2020, South America imported 110.3 million US dollars worth of shelled almonds, a robust increase of 23.0% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 26.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.2%. The largest decline was in 2019 at 5.4%.

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

During 2017-2020, the United States was the primary supplier of shelled almonds to South America in value terms, accounting for 62.7% of imports. Australia contributed 2.0%, and Spain 0.6%, together representing 65.3% of total import value.

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

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