Last year, the European Union-28 (EU-28) was once again the largest export market for U.S. tree nuts. In 2018, U.S. shipments of tree nuts to the EU-28 reached $2.8 billion. U.S. almond sales (both in-shell and shelled) totaled $1.6 billion, followed by pistachios with $516 million, and walnuts with almost $344 million. The growing popularity of healthy snacking, higher incomes, and global market dynamics are making the EU nut market more attractive than ever. As of December 14, 2019, a new framework Regulation (EU) 2017/625 will update the implementing regulations setting specifics on the recognition of the Pre-Export Check (PEC) program for almonds, and on the increased control levels for pistachios. Read the Full Annual Report from the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service HERE.
