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Tree Nut Situation Updates
This report updates the tree nut situation for selected countries published in the November and December 1998 issues of the World Horticultural Trade & U.S. Export Opportunities circular.
ALMONDS
Almond production in selected countries in 1998/99 is forecast at 309,968 metric tons (shelled basis), 6 percent below the previous estimate and 34 percent below last year’s record crop. Lower revisions in the 1998/99 U.S. and Spanish almond crops accounted for this decrease. The1998/99 U.S. almond crop is estimated at 235,868 tons, 4 percent below the previous forecast, due to unfavorable weather conditions which delayed crop development. The 1998/99 Spanish crop was reduced by 25 percent from the November forecast, also due to unfavorable weather which affected pollination early in 1998.
Almond exports from selected countries in 1998/99 are forecast at 224,573 tons, 5 percent above the November forecast but 13 percent below the previous year’s shipments. This is primarily due to significantly smaller crops in the United States and Spain, the world’s two largest almond producers. Other countries with smaller crops than last year are Greece, Italy, and Morocco. U.S. exports from August 1998 through January 1999 (according to trade sources) totaled 146,012 tons, 14 percent below last season’s exports during the same time period. Sales to date to the European Union, the largest U.S. market, are down 8 percent. U.S. 1998/99 ending almond stocks are forecast to fall to 45,540 tons, due to the smaller harvest.
WALNUTS
Walnut production in selected countries in 1998/99 is estimated at 611,861 tons (in-shell basis), 1 percent above the previous estimate. A slightly higher production estimate for the United States accounts for this increase. The 1998/99 U.S. walnut crop is estimated at 205,931 tons, 16 percent below the 1997/98 harvest, due mainly to average yields expected from the mid-season and late varieties.
Walnut exports from selected countries in 1998/99 are forecast at 182,810, one percent below the previous forecast and 4 percent below 1997/98 exports. U.S. exports from August 1998 through November 1998 (according to the U.S. Bureau of Census) totaled 55,123 tons, 14 percent below the previous year’s shipments during the same time period. Sales to the European Union, the largest U.S. market, are down 7 percent for 1998/99 compared to this same period for 1997/98.
HAZELNUTS
The 1998/99 hazelnut production estimate for selected countries has been increased to 779,061 tons (in-shell basis), 3 percent above the December forecast. This is due primarily to an increase in the production estimate for Turkey, the world’s largest hazelnut producer. U.S. production figures have been revised downward to 14,061 tons, down 6 percent from the previous estimate.
Total hazelnut exports from reporting countries in 1998/99 remain at 448,000 tons, 3 percent below the previous year’s shipments. The U.S. export forecast was decreased based on significantly fewer shipments to date compared with the volume for the same time period for prior years. Sales to the European Union, the largest U.S. market, are down 54 percent for 1998/99 compared to this same period for 1997/98. The export forecast for Turkey, remains unchanged at 375,000 tons, 6 percent below the last year’s volume.
(For further information on supply and trade contact Lisa Anderson at 202-720-5028. For information on U.S. marketing opportunities, contact Ingrid Mohn at 202-720-5330.)
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