World pistachio production is estimated at 985,000 tonnes

Pistachio remains in high demand and the world market continues to grow, both in terms of production volume and sales volumes. For the 2020/21 season, world production is expected to approach 1 million tonnes.

 

According to a report from the USDA, the US Department of Agriculture, for the 2020/21 season, world production is estimated at 985,000 tonnes, an increase of 40% from the previous season.

 

Production

- United States: US production is forecast to increase by 42% to a record high of 476,000 tonnes, due to the increase in area cultivated and the favorable alternating cycle. Generally 1 year out of 2 is very successful.

- Turkey: Turkish production is expected to reach 250,000 tonnes, a threefold increase, after the lean year last season.

- Iran: Iranian production is expected to fall by 7% to 190,000 tonnes, according to the Iranian Pistachio Association (IPA), due to the sluggish year in the cycle.

- EU: European production is expected to fall by 3,000 tonnes to 18,000 tonnes, due to slight losses in Spain and Italy.

 

Exports

- United States. US exports are forecast to increase by almost 20% to 225,000 tonnes thanks to volumes shipped to the main markets of China and the EU.

- Turkey. The increase in Turkish production will have a limited effect on world trade, as almost all of the crop is consumed in the country.

- Iran. Iranian exports are forecast to increase by around 15% to 185,000 tonnes. Thanks to stocks last year which allowed an intensive start to the season, especially towards China, but the pace should slow down.

 

Imports

Imports from China are forecast to increase by 45% to 150,000 tonnes. Imports by the EU are forecast to increase by 15% to reach 120,000 tonnes.