California almond shipments rise in May as exports offset domestic decline

California almond shipments totaled 217.4 million pounds in May, up 2.6% from a year earlier, according to Blue Diamond’s Almond Market Update released June 12. The cooperative reported that export demand continued to offset weaker domestic shipments as the industry moves toward the 2026 harvest.

Blue Diamond reported export shipments reached 169.1 million pounds in May, a 5.2% increase from the same month last year. Export shipments for the crop year totaled 1.72 billion pounds through May, running 1.7% ahead of the previous year’s pace. Domestic shipments declined 5.5% during the month to 48.2 million pounds, leaving year-to-date domestic movement at 492 million pounds, down 13.6%. Total industry shipments through May reached 2.21 billion pounds, down 2.2% from a year ago.

According to the update, Europe remained one of the strongest export regions, with shipments up 5% year over year. Spain, Italy and Germany all posted gains. Vietnam shipments increased 36% year to date, while shipments to China and Hong Kong remained below last year’s levels amid ongoing tariff challenges.

The report also noted growing buyer commitments. Total industry commitments stood at 438 million pounds, up 8.9% from last year, while new sales reached 138.7 million pounds compared with 89 million pounds during the same period in 2025. Uncommitted inventory declined 5.2% to 469.5 million pounds. New crop sales totaled 92 million pounds, up 40% from a year earlier.

Blue Diamond said the 2026 almond crop remains about 10 days ahead of last year, with attention shifting toward hull split and navel orangeworm management. The cooperative said industry estimates continue to point toward a relatively stable supply outlook as harvest approaches.