The Almond Board of California released its March position report on April 10, showing that industry shipments totaled 258 million pounds. Blue Diamond Growers notes that this is an increase of 16.5% year over year, surpassing expectations. March exports were up 21% compared to last year at 2025.2 million pounds. Export shipments are surpassing last yers pace, leading by 3% at 1.38 billion pounds and domestic shipments for March came in at 1.9% ahead from last year.
“While domestic year-to-date shipments remain behind at 391 million pounds, down 15.9%, the increase this month is worth celebrating after months of softer results. Total industry shipments through March stand at 1.78 billion pounds, down 1.9% versus last year,” Blue Diamond Growers wrote in its March Almond Market Update. “The California almond industry has shown resilience and strong performance despite logistical delays associated with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. With concern around Australian crop quality due to late season rainfall, we may see additional opportunities for California almonds ahead.”
The March shipment performance confirmed an effectively functioning market, with global demand continuing to absorb supply. Export markets remain the primary driver, supported by consistent movement into Europe, Southeast Asia and the Middle East, despite recent disruptions. This includes 39.2 million pounds shipped to India. China/Hong Kong, also saw a 123% increase to 4.1 million pounds following last year’s tariffs. Shipments to Vietnam were at 5.6 million pounds, an 8.5% increase.
The Middle East remains difficult, with reduced activity in the United Arab Emirates, but Turkey has seen an increase of 30% and Pakistan has seen an increase of 170%, indicating that demand is being redistributed rather than eroded.
“The conflict in Iran has been a concerning factor for the industry for over a month. The March report serves as proof that demand across the Middle East remains intact as the region took 21.9 million pounds for the month. The current geopolitical conditions have introduced disruptions and logistical challenges to traditional trade flows in the Persian Gulf,” the Blue Diamond update read. “Saudi Arabia is also expected to act as an alternative routing option to supply regional buyers. The region remains a key demand center with creative execution strategies, and the normalization of logistics is expected to support future activity.”
The market in Europe remains steady, with year-to-date shipments tracking ahead of 2025 by 7%.