Domestic shipments of US almonds remained flat, while monthly exports climbed to 908 million pounds (411,986 mt) according to a report issued by California Almonds. The total volumes shipped now range higher than last year for the first time this season.
Sharp decline in shipments to China
At 230 million pounds (104,326 mt) monthly shipments hit a new January record. While domestic shipments are relatively on par with last year at 66 million pounds (29,937 mt), exports climbed to 163 million pounds (73,935 mt), which is 43% up on last year. Total year-to-date shipments have now reached 1.3 billion pounds (576,788 mt) and range nearly 3% higher than in the same period last year. This trend is also driven by exports since domestic shipments fall 7% short of last year at 363 million pounds (148,019 mt), whereas exports range 7% higher at 908.275 million pounds (411,986 mt).
Spain, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey have notably stepped up buying in the US. Although India remains the most important export destination for US almonds, shipments to here have declined by 2%. Shipments to China and Hong Kong have notably dipped by 20% and the country presently only ranks fourth, behind Spain and the United Arab Emirates.
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