W14 Macadamia Update: Zimbabwe Increases Cultivation, South Africa Dominates Global Macadamia Trade, China Shows Growing Kernel Imports

Macadamia Nut Industry Booms in Zimbabwe

The macadamia nut industry in Zimbabwe has experienced remarkable growth, especially in regions like Chipinge in the east. In the 2022/23 season, the cultivation area spanned over 10 thousand hectares (ha), producing 5.5 thousand metric tons (mt) of macadamia nuts and generating USD 4.2 million in export revenues. The average yield per hectare was 7.2 mt, lower than the global average. In particular, Zimbabwe accounts for 1.2% of the world’s macadamia production.

However, the market faces significant challenges such as low prices, lack of financial support, expensive inputs, climate change, and lack of training. To address these issues, the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) plans to lead a delegation of horticulture sector players to attend the Macfrut Expo at the Rimini Expo Centre in Italy from May 8 to 10, 2024. This event will offer an excellent opportunity for local macadamia producers to connect with the international market.

South Africa Maintains Leading Position in Global Macadamia Trade

According to the Global Macadamia Nut Export Report 2019 to 2023, released by the South African Macadamia Nut Growers Association (SAMAC), South Africa maintained its dominant position in the global macadamia nut trade. Meanwhile, Australia's standing in the trade has shown signs of decline. Other African nations, apart from South Africa, have witnessed a noteworthy surge in exports. China's import volume experienced rapid growth, with in-shell nut imports constituting over 90% of the global total in 2023. In addition, China has emerged as the world's fourth-largest shelled macadamia exporter, showcasing the dynamic shifts in the global macadamia trade landscape.

China's Macadamia Kernel Imports Increase by 17.1% YoY in 2023, While US Imports Decrease by 41.4% YoY

China’s macadamia kernel imports reached 5.96 thousand mt in 2023, increased by 17.1% year-on-year (YoY), compared to 5.09 thousand mt in 2022. The growth rate for 2020, 2021 and 2022 were 14.9%, 33.5%, 37.6% respectively. Notably, US imports in 2023 decreased by 41.4% YoY to 6.09 thousand mt compared to 10.4 thousand mt in 2022.