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Who Imported the Most Almonds in the World?
In 2022, countries that imported the largest quantity of almonds in the world include the Germany($555.8M), Spain($472.7M), Italy($306.3M), France($246.5M),Japan($240M), China($217.5M), Netherlands($180.6M), South Korea($143.1M) and Canada($151.5M) generated 59.6% of the world’s overall total. The total import of shelled and in-shelled almonds amounted to USD 3.8 billion in 2022. Year over year, the overall value of exported almonds fell by -19.1% compared to $4.7 billion during 2021.
Who Are the Top Almonds Exporters?
The international trade of almonds is highly concentrated on the supply side. The top 5 exporters of almonds are the United States, Spain, Australia, Türkiye, and The Netherlands generated 91.82% of the world’s overall total. In 2022, the total export of shelled and in-shelled almonds amounted to USD 4.9 billion. Year over year, the overall value of exported almonds fell by -7.5% compared to $5.3 billion during 2021.
In 2022 the top exporters of Almonds in shell fresh or dried were United States ($3.3B), Spain ($586.8M), Australia ($321.6M), Türkiye, ($139.2M), and The Netherlands ($114.5M)
Who Produced the Most Almonds in the World?
The top almond-producing country is the USA, followed by Spain, Iran, Morocco, Syria, Turkey, Italy, Australia, Algeria, and Tunisia.. The vast majority of the world’s almonds are grown and harvested in the United States. In the 2023 crop year the United States produced over 2.0 million metric tons of almonds. Spain followed as the second top most producer in that year, with about 202.3 thousand metric tons of almonds. Almonds need full sun, a warm climate, and a large amount of water in order to thrive and produce nuts. Because they are especially vulnerable to cold weather, places like California are ideal for cultivating almonds. The top 10 almond producing countries in the world are:
Procedures for Exporting Almonds From the USA/ procedures for Importing Almonds From the USA
Export Procedure
1. The very first stage is establishing the varieties and the USDA grades that the buyers want to source
2. The next stage is to establish the final destination country of the exported products
3. There is the need to also establish the quantity in other words how almonds the buyer is looking to buy
4. After this prices and pictures are sent to the buyer (some buyers do ask for samples of the product but suppliers are more often than not hesitant in sending samples.
5. A sales contract otherwise called a purchase order is signed between between the supplier and buyer
6. After the purchasing order, a fraction of the payment is made otherwise called prepayment. This is normally about 30% of the full amount made 3 days after signing the contract
7. The next stage is the supplier or the agent aiding the trade locking in on shipping dates on containers
8. The buyer then hires a 3 party or their representatives to go inspect the products either at the farms, warehouse etc. A USDA agent can also be contracted to do the inspection
9. The supplier then checks if all documents are in order and further sends all documents to the buyer
10. At this point, the remaining amount is pad to the supplier by the buyer (normally the remaining 70% of the total invoice)
11. the products are then shipped to the buyer
12. On arrival, the supplier or their agent its the product if all its in order
13. The buyer then take possession of the shipment
To export to the European Union, almonds are the only U.S. commodity included under the Pre-Export Check Program. See here for more.
Depending on trade agreements among others between the USA and the destination country, tariffs may apply. Import requirements around the world are always changing so its always best to familiarize with imports export tariffs regulations. The Almond Board of California has a Summary of Applied Tariffs and Other Trade Measures Applicable to U.S. Almonds available here
Also exports may require adhering to Aflatoxin requirements which vary from country to country. Almond Board of California has created a Factsheet that lists aflatoxin requirements by country available here
Countries around the world have phytosanitary requirements that may include fumigation, documentation and exporters are expected to check all these before executing a trade, etc. Phyto certificates issued by the USDA based on the requirements outlined by USDA/APHIS is available here
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