Quantifying the U.S. nut industry’s true economic power

The start of 2026 marks a new era of affirmation for the U.S. nut industry. With the recent release of the Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association’s (PTNPA) first-ever economic impact report, “Nut Numbers: The Economic Impact of the Nut Industry,” we now possess definitive evidence showing the immense direct and indirect contributions of the nut industry to the U.S. economy.

This landmark report is more than just a collection of statistics; it is a tool that is available to inform every part of our industry, from growers to processors to our suppliers and service partners who simultaneously support and drive the industry. By quantifying our economic footprint with precision, we are proud to tell the compelling story of our significance.

The “Nut Numbers:” Defining our economic engine in billions

Quantifying our industry’s economic footprint is a strong narrative that clearly communicates the nut industry scale and impact to policymakers, business leaders and the American public — and beyond.

PTNPA’s “Nut Numbers” report consolidates diverse industry contributors into four clear, collective drivers of our economic power:

• Overall economic contribution: The U.S. nut industry generates an astounding $148.25 billion for the national economy annually. This figure is not limited to the farm gate; it represents the full value chain and showcases how deeply our industry is integrated into the fabric of the national economy, supporting countless other food industry and related sectors.
• National job creation: Our industry is the bedrock of more than 515,000 American jobs. From orchards, handling locations, supportive services and state-of-the-art processing facilities, these are the jobs that sustain families and anchor communities. An interactive data map provides information by state.
• Tax base contribution: We contribute $15.70 billion in total taxes annually. This substantial sum positions the nut industry as an essential contributor to public services, infrastructure and stable communities.
• Global market leadership: With $10.69 billion in annual exports, the U.S. nut industry is a formidable force in the global marketplace. This figure is a testament to the unparalleled quality and competitiveness of American-grown nuts and a clear indicator of our crucial interest in open markets.

These figures paint an undeniable picture: The U.S. nut industry is a cornerstone of American prosperity, creating livelihoods, funding public services and projecting economic strength on the national and global stage.

A powerful tool for advocacy and education

This data is far more than a source of pride; it is a critical tool for the future growth and preservation of the industry’s ongoing success. The “Nut Numbers” report equips our leadership with the authority to engage effectively on issues of critical importance, including supply chain management, trade and agricultural policy, food safety, and regulatory compliance.

Joel Perkins, PTNPA Chairman and CEO of Horizon Nut, articulated that this report provides “data-backed evidence of the nut industry’s economic significance,”demonstrating our value and impact. This sentiment is echoed by Jeannie Shaughnessy, CEO of PTNPA, who noted that the report will serve as a “powerful tool for future context, education and advocacy,” enabling engagement with a multitude of important stakeholders and audiences with “unprecedented authority.”

The synthesis of perspectives is clear: Perkins highlights the what — the undeniable data — while Shaughnessy defines the how — deploying that data as a tool to command attention and drive successful outcomes. This report doesn’t just show evidence of impact, it supports our core mission as the voice of America’s nut industry with pride and proof. We represent a $148 billion economic engine and more than half a million American jobs.

Solidifying our identify: Creating more than a pantry staple

The report definitively proves that our economic sector is “far more than a pantry staple — and is a powerful and essential engine of the national economy.” The report simply cements our status as an indispensable part of America’s economic landscape.

A data-driven future

We invite you to be familiar with these powerful findings. Leverage this data for business planning, community conversations, and interactions with local and national stakeholders and leaders. This is our collective story, and its power grows each time this narrative is told.

The Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association (PTNPA) was established in 1939 and has proudly supported leading peanut and tree nut industry companies for more than eight decades. PTNPA member companies range from large global organizations to small family-owned businesses, employing millions of people and generating billions of dollars in the global economy. Reflecting the steady growth of the nut sector, PTNPA continues to expand its services and offerings for its members.