Treenuts market in Brazil

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the Brazilian treenuts market volume declined from 192 thousand tons to 149.5 thousand tons. This period saw foundational developments for the sector, including the launch of the State Pecan Culture Development Program (Pró-Pecã) in Rio Grande do Sul, the establishment of the Brazilian Nuts and Chestnuts Association (ABNC) to unify the industry, and increased Embrapa research funding for producer partnerships. A 53% production surge for Brazil nuts, cashews, and macadamias in the 2017/2018 season also signaled the sector's potential, even as total market volume temporarily contracted.

A sharp reversal occurred in 2022, with market volume jumping 43% to 213.9 thousand tons. This growth was primarily driven by a record pecan harvest that positioned Brazil as the world's fourth-largest producer and enabled direct exports to Asian and European markets. Simultaneously, rising consumer demand for healthy foods boosted domestic nut consumption, while the sector's total exports surpassed 970 thousand tons, generating nearly $950 million in revenue.

In 2023, the market receded to 183.9 thousand tons, yet companies continued to expand their global footprint by increasing pecan exports with targets of shipping two containers monthly. Over the decade, the average price of imported nuts rose by 190%, affecting retail costs and consumer pricing throughout the market's evolution.

Production treenuts in Brazil

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Brazil ranked 17th globally in treenuts production between 2018 and 2021.

Top producers of treenuts, 2018-2021

World map of production of treenuts, 2018-2021

In 2021, Brazil produced 152.8 thousand tonnes of treenuts, marking a 14.9% year-on-year decline. From 2018 to 2021, production fell by 17.7%, averaging a 6.3% annual decrease. The highest growth was observed in 2020, with no change recorded.

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

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Brazil's treenuts production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the output was valued at 822 million US dollars, down 1.7% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production decreased by 30%, with a compound annual growth rate of -11.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Brazil in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports treenuts from Brazil

Exports in kind, t

After two years of decline, Brazil's treenuts exports increased in volume. In 2021, exports totalled 28 630 tonnes, up 3.9% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 5.1%, averaging a 1.7% annual drop. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 27 547 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 8.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the export structure for treenuts in kind was balanced rather than concentrated. The United States accounted for 26.5% of exports, Peru for 13.5%, and Bolivia for 6.6%, together representing 46.6% of total flows. Many other countries made up the remaining 53.4%.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year decrease, Brazil's treenuts exports increased in value. In 2021, exports reached 154.0 million US dollars, showing a solid 20.0% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports fell by 19.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 128.3 million US dollars, and the largest decline occurred in 2020 at 21.5%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, the United States, the Netherlands, and Canada were the key partners for Brazil's treenuts exports in value terms. The United States accounted for 37.7% of exports, the Netherlands for 8.5%, and Canada for 7.4%, together representing 53.5% of total flows.

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

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

Imports treenuts to Brazil

Imports in kind, t

Brazil's treenuts imports declined in volume for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports totalled 25 339 tonnes, down 13.9% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 30.6%, averaging an 11.4% annual drop.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Indonesia, Chile, and the Philippines formed the main cluster for Brazil's treenuts imports in kind. Indonesia accounted for 25.1% of imports, Chile for 18.0%, and the Philippines for 13.2%, together representing 56.3% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of decrease, Brazil's treenuts imports increased in value. In 2021, imports reached 123.8 million US dollars, showing a notable 16.5% advance from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 15.3%, averaging a 5.4% annual drop. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 106.2 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 15.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, three principal markets—Chile, Turkey, and the United States—together accounted for 68.3% of Brazil's total treenuts imports in value terms.

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

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