July almond shipments increase 3.3% as crop year closes

July almond shipments totaled 203.5 million pounds, up 3.3% from the previous year, as total industry shipments through July concluded at 2.63 billion pounds, according to Blue Diamond Growers’ market update based on the Almond Board of California’s final Position Report.

Exports reached 150.3 million pounds in July, up 2.3% from the previous year. Full-season export shipments totaled 2.03 billion pounds, a 3% increase.

Domestic shipments reached 53.2 million pounds in July, up 6.2% and marking the largest monthly domestic shipment volume of the crop year, Blue Diamond reported. Full-season domestic shipments totaled 595.3 million pounds, down 11.3%. During the final five months of the crop year, domestic shipments were down 0.4% year over year, compared with an 18% decline during the first seven months.

Export results varied by market. Europe finished the year at 681.2 million pounds, up nearly 5%, with Spain up 19% and Central and Eastern Europe up 31%. Middle East shipments increased 3% to 351.3 million pounds, led by Turkey, which increased 45% to 156.6 million pounds.

Vietnam finished the season at 74.6 million pounds, up 30%, while Southeast Asia overall increased 26%. India declined 11% to 378.5 million pounds, and China/Hong Kong finished 34% below the previous year at 33.3 million pounds.

Blue Diamond reported total current-crop commitments of 246.2 million pounds, 14.3% ahead of the previous year. Uncommitted inventory declined 17.18% to 248 million pounds, while new-crop commitments totaled 302.5 million pounds.