Apr 23, 2025Meridian Growers report U.S. pistachio shipments down as trade headwinds mount
U.S. pistachio shipments have dropped 25% year-to-date through March 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to the latest report from Meridian Growers. The steep decline is largely attributed to reduced export volumes, with significant losses in key markets including the European Union, China, and Turkey.
Export volumes to Turkey plunged from over 10 million pounds last March to less than 2.7 million pounds this year. Much of the decline stems from lower-grade inshell pistachios, which have become increasingly difficult to export to the E.U. due to tighter inspections for aflatoxin and ochratoxin contamination.
China’s imposition of a 125% tariff on all U.S. pistachio imports further strained trade.
“As of this report, China has imposed a 125% tariff on all U.S. exports into that country,” noted Jim Zion, Meridian Growers managing partner, in the report. “Other countries have taken a more pragmatic wait-and-see attitude to a very chaotic rollout of the administration’s tariff scheme.”
Despite export challenges, domestic shipments remained more stable, totaling over 142 million pounds, just a 4% drop from last year. One bright spot is the ongoing strength in pistachio kernel shipments, which have increased by 8% year-over-year. The rising popularity of pistachio-centric products — particularly in Dubai’s chocolate sector — continues to drive global demand for kernels.
“Current supply is not keeping up with demand, and as such, you may see more and more inshell being cracked for kernels to keep up with the global demand,” said Zion in the report.
The total marketable inventory as of March 31 stood at just over 527 million pounds, suggesting steady, though tightening, supply lines. Preliminary field observations indicate healthy conditions for the current crop, with the industry estimate holding at 1.6 billion pounds.
The industry is eyeing upcoming international trade discussions, including the May International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC) meeting in Mallorca, as a potential inflection point for policy clarity.
