Global almond production will increase to 1.6 million tons; China's imports will reach 130,000 tons

Despite lower kernel weights and unchanged acreage, U.S. production is forecast to rise 13% to 1.3 million tons, helped by an increase in the number of trees per acre and yield per tree. Previously, the area of almonds bearing fruit in the U.S. continued to expand from 428,000 acres in the 1996/97 season to nearly 1.4 million acres last year. Australia's production is forecast to rise 4% to a record 160,000 tons, with exports expected to rise 4% to 130,000 tons, helped by increased acreage and normal growing conditions. EU production is forecast to rise 11% to 150,000 tons, as an increase in Spanish production offsets a decrease in Italy. Increased acreage in Spain boosted production, but yields per unit area in both Spain and Italy were affected by drought. Imports are forecast to rise 4% to 280,000 tons, driven by demand from the food ingredient, snack, and confectionery industries. In-shell almonds are primarily intended for immediate consumption, while in-shell almonds are ...