Walnuts: US crop smaller than anticipated

March 19, 2025 at 12:05 PM , Der AUDITOR
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SACRAMENTO/REUS. Adverse weather conditions promtped US walnut production to fall short of expectations this season. Fierce competition is, however, preventing sharp price adjustments.

27% slump in US walnut production

Global demand for US walnuts and production have continuously risen in the past years. This, however, changed with the 2024 crop as adverse weather conditions in winter and spring along with high temperatures in June and July 2024 caused production to decline. The California Walnut Board and Commission estimates 2024/2025 production as low as 542,700 mt, which not only undercuts the USDA estimate of 607,814 mt but also marks a 27% slump on the 747,520 mt harvested in 2023/2024. 

At 2,6 million mt global in-shell production declined by 2% in 2024/2025 as compared with last season. Chile and Turkey also witnessed disastrous 26% slumps in production. Contrary to this, gains of 15% in China, of 14% in Ukraine and of 16% in Romania compensated for these shortfalls.

Global walnut production, in-shell basis (mt)

Country

2023/24

2024/25

Diff.

China

1,350,000

1,550,000

15%

USA

747,520

542,700

-27%

Chile

181,648

134,576

-26%

Ukraine

78,000

88,750

14%

Turkey

65,000

48,000

-26%

Romania

34,500

40,000

16%

Iran

40,000

35,000

-13%

India

35,000

33,000

-6%

Argentina

20,000

25,000

25%

France

22,000

25,000

14%

Others

88,950

96,680

9%

Total

2,662,618

2,618,706

-2%

California Walnut Board and Commission, Chilenut, Walnut Growers Association of Türkiye and other INC sources
12/03/2025

Limited price rises

Although limited supplies immediately drove up quotations of 80% light half Chandlers by USD 0.50/lb in September 2024, they have remained in a relatively stable range of USD 4.00-4.20/lb since October 2024 as Expana reports. Quotations ranged at USD 4.10/lb in February 2025. Traders reckon that US suppliers refrained from further price rises as they want to prevent buyers from switching to Chile and China.

 

 

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