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Aug
18

Almond Exports Rise Sharply as Australia Prepares for 2027 Harvest

Australia’s almond industry is moving into its next production cycle even as exports recover strongly from earlier harvest delays. The country recorded its highest-ever monthly almond export volume in June, helped by stronger demand from key Asian markets.

The International Nut and Dried Fruit Council has estimated Australia’s 2026 almond crop at 166,892 tonnes on a shelled basis. Despite heavy rains earlier in the year causing some quality issues and slowing harvesting in major growing areas, the estimate is about 7% higher than the previous year and above the earlier record of 163,148 tonnes set in 2024-25.

Attention has now shifted towards the 2027 crop. Almond orchards across Australia are preparing for pollination, with around 300,000 commercial beehives being transported into growing areas. The bees will play an important role in pollinating the almond trees during the flowering period.

Australia’s export market has also gained momentum after a slow beginning to the 2026-27 season. June shipments climbed 22% from a year earlier to 17,206 tonnes. Asian buyers were behind much of the increase, with exports to China rising 15% to 9,512 tonnes, India increasing 39% to 3,113 tonnes and Vietnam almost doubling to 1,544 tonnes.

Not all markets showed similar strength. Shipments to Turkey fell 15% to 814 tonnes, while Germany’s purchases dropped 37% to 321 tonnes. Domestic sales also declined 29% to 1,523 tonnes.

For the season so far, China has emerged as a particularly strong destination, with shipments reaching a record 24,900 tonnes, up 14% year-on-year. Vietnam also recorded an 83% increase to 3,777 tonnes.

However, overall shipments remain slightly below last year’s pace. Between March and June, Australia supplied 48,634 tonnes of almonds to domestic and international markets, down 4% from the previous year. Domestic shipments fell 13% to 6,592 tonnes, while seasonal exports stood at 42,042 tonnes.

The latest figures underline a mixed picture: strong overseas demand is supporting the industry, even as total seasonal volumes remain marginally behind last year.