Almonds: Bumper crop is called into question

August 15, 2017 at 11:49 AM , Der AUDITOR
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SACRAMENTO. The low US prices have attracted buyers, especially in Europe. This year’s crop may, however, be smaller than expected.

 

Imports to Germany rise by 27%

Demand is growing for US almonds. July shipments almost reached 70,000 mt, which is an 11% increase as compared to July 2016. Total exports amounted to 646,291 mt (-14%) in 2016/17 and domestic consumption reached 306,611 mt (+15%). More almonds have de facto been sold than produced, meaning that carry over supplies have shrunk by 5% to 183,251 mt.

More than 95,000 mt were shipped to Spain, 5% more than last year. The country is the biggest buyer of Californian almonds. The second largest importer within the EU is Germany, which increased imports by as much as 27% to 59,062 mt.

US almonds in comparison in mt

value

2016/17

2015/16

Diff.

exports*

646,291

552,496

17%

domestic consumption*

306,611

269,067

14%

total shipments*

952,611

821,563

16%

crop size*

968,420

857,815

13%

ABC

 

Low prices attract buyers

The unusual hike in shipments is, moreover, held responsible for the continuous increase in prices for US almonds over the last few weeks. It should, however, also be noted that this year’s comparatively low prices have attracted buyers and should continue to do so over the next few months.

Production may be smaller than expected

Although production is currently still estimated at 1.02 M mt, it is rumoured that production may be smaller. Some traders report the kernels are bigger and that the trees are bearing fewer almonds. It is, however, too early for reliable estimates.

US almond prices

type

EUR/kg

California, SSR, 27/30, blanched

5.70

blanched, sliced

5.70

blanched, diced

5.30

blanched, slivered

5.35

almond meal, blanched

5.15

EXW Spain

 

Attached Files

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almonds natural price chart

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