CropGPT - Nuts

The weekly report on the global Nuts market for week 18. Brought to you by CropGPT

Show Notes

Global Nuts Market Summary
  • Sudan's Rahad Agricultural Project has commenced groundnut planting across 840 hectares, with ambitions to expand to approximately 2,940 hectares. Historical yields of up to 119 sacks per hectare underline the agronomic potential of the area. However, operations face significant non-weather risk: militia activity by the Rapid Support Forces has historically caused crop failures and displacement, and logistical constraints further threaten planting, maintenance, and harvest timelines. Local leaders are calling for greater government coordination to secure both the physical and logistical conditions needed to protect agricultural output, which carries meaningful revenue importance for the regional economy.
  • In Nigeria, a proposed export ban on raw cashew nuts is generating significant pushback from the National Cashew Association of Nigeria and smallholder farmers. While the policy is intended to stimulate domestic processing and value addition, the existing infrastructure is insufficient to absorb national production, with current processing capacity covering less than 10% of output. High domestic interest rates of 25% to 35% and elevated energy costs make processing investment financially difficult, and the three to four month harvest window limits operational flexibility. Implementing the ban without first resolving these structural gaps risks depressing farm gate prices, reducing smallholder incomes, and disrupting global supply chains given Nigeria's significant role in cashew exports.
  • California's almond sector is under sustained pressure from drought and water scarcity, with reduced acreage and increasing reliance on deficit irrigation contributing to lower yields and potential quality deterioration. Market indicators point to rising almond prices as supply tightens against stable demand, placing global buyers in a more constrained procurement environment. Producers are weighing the difficult trade-off between removing underperforming orchards and committing to sustainable practices that may not deliver near-term returns. The pistachio segment, by contrast, remains relatively stable and is providing some offset for buyers navigating tighter almond availability.

What is CropGPT - Nuts?

Market news about nuts - Cashews, nuts, almonds, macadamias, pistachios. Including trading news, weather and forecasts

Speaker 1:

Welcome to the weekly summary of the global nuts market for 05/03/2026. For more information on any aspect of this report, please visit the CropGPT website for far more detailed reporting and analysis. The seventh division of Sudan's Rahad Agricultural Project has commenced the planting of ground nuts across eight forty hectares, with ambitions to expand cultivation to about 2,940 hectares. This crop holds strategic significance, contributing considerably to both the authorities' revenue and Sudan's overall economy. Historical productivity data remain promising with figures showing yields of up to 50 sacks per fedin, approximately a 119 sacks per hectare.

Speaker 1:

Nonetheless, operations are hampered by local insecurity, particularly militia activities, which have historically disrupted production. The Rapid Support Forces militia poses a persistent threat leading to crop failures and displacement. Furthermore, logistical issues could delay planting, maintenance, and harvesting affecting overall productivity. To address these threats, local leaders are advocating for enhanced coordination with government entities to secure the necessary security and logistical support. This strategy aims to stabilize agricultural output and bolster the economic contribution from this crucial sector.

Speaker 1:

In Nigeria, the proposed export ban on raw cashew nuts has stirred debate with the National Cashew Association of Nigeria, and farmers expressing apprehensions. While aiming to boost domestic processing, the ban risks decreasing farm gate prices and reducing smallholder incomes. High interest rates, ranging from 25 to 35%, coupled with substantial energy costs, already challenge domestic processing feasibility. The harvesting season only lasts three to four months, further compounding these issues. Current processing facilities accommodate less than 10% of national cashew production, highlighting the infrastructure gap.

Speaker 1:

Implementing the export ban without addressing these barriers could destabilize the local economy and affect global supply chains given Nigeria's pivotal role in cashew exports. Turning to California, almond production dynamics are shifting due to water scarcity and prolonged drought conditions. The reduction in almond acreage and increased reliance on deficit irrigation have led to decreased yields and potentially lower quality. Despite these challenges, market trends indicate a potential rise in almond prices, driven by reduced supply and stable demand. Producers face the choice of removing underperforming orchards or adopting sustainable but not immediately profitable practices.

Speaker 1:

This scenario presents a notable challenge for global buyers facing higher prices and tighter supplies. Meanwhile, the pistachio market remains stable, offering some relief to buyers amid volatility in the almond segment. These cases illustrate the intricate interaction of local agricultural practices, environmental conditions, market forces, and global economic effects on the production and availability of soft commodities like groundnuts, cashew nuts, and almonds. Remember, our CropGPT site contains far more details and reports about the nuts market, including crop health reports, twenty years of weather data, and even pricing data and earning call analysis. This podcast is just a few selected highlights for the week.