Shipments to China increased despite trade dispute

The trade dispute, provoking retaliation for a rise in customs duties, has no negative effects on the pistachio sector in California. California professionals find that exports to China have increased.

 

 

 

According to California companies in the sector, pistachio exports to China and Hong Kong - the main export market - have increased, even with tariffs of 55% on raw products and 30% on grilled products.

 

 

 

This increase in exports to China is explained by an ever increasing demand from the Chinese market but also by very low production in Iran, the largest competitor of US pistachio producers.

 

 

 

Approximately 350,000 acres (141,639 hectares) of pistachios were planted in California of which 284,000 acres (114,930 hectares) are planted; in the next few years, production will continue to increase. About 70% of California pistachios are exported. The main export markets include China, Hong Kong, Europe as well as the Middle East and Africa.