Walnuts: attractive spot prices

April 16, 2020 at 12:12 PM , Der AUDITOR
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PEKING/SANTIAGO. The Chinese walnut crop in 2019 has reached a new record with an estimated 1 million metric tonnes of in-shells and is showing a much greater presence in the export market this season. In the European...

... spot market, Chinese walnut kernels, LHP 80%, are traded at a level of EUR 5.65 per kg FCA Spain and are thus significantly cheaper than at the beginning of the year. The prices for US walnuts are also continuing to decline, after starting at a comparatively high level at the beginning of the season.

Walnut prices

Type

EUR/kg

US Chandler, LHP 80%

6.85

US Chandler, LHP 40%

6.55

China, LHP 80%

5.65

Light quarters, China, 

5.00

FCA Spain

Chilean crop remains stable

Chilean farmers started harvesting Chandler walnuts last week and the first shipments of in-shells should be on their way soon. Walnut kernels should be ready for shipment in late April or early May. However, market players report that logistics are currently somewhat difficult due to a shortage of containers. With an estimated 130,000 metric tonnes of walnuts in shell, production in 2020 should be comparable to that of previous years.

EU increases imports by 11%

In 2019, almost 158,000 metric tonnes of walnuts in-shell and unshelled (customs tariff numbers: 08023100 + 08023200) were imported into the EU from third countries, which an increase of 11% over last year. While imports from important exporting countries such as the USA, Chile and the Ukraine increased significantly, shipments from countries such as China, India and Australia declined noticeably. However, this could change again this year, especially when it comes to Chinese shipments.

EU walnut imports

Country

2018

2019

Diff.

USA

78,200

87,880

12.40%

Chile

28,895

34,069

17.90%

Ukraine

12,304

15,838

28.70%

Moldova

10,360

10,527

1.60%

Argentina

2,197

2,921

33.00%

Australia

3,283

2,479

-24.50%

China

3,916

2,248

-42.60%

India

1,991

1,124

-43.50%

Others

1,176

865

-26.40%

Total

142,322

157,951

11.00%

European Commission

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