WALNUT MARKET AND CROP UPDATE- April 2018

WALNUT MARKET AND CROP UPDATE- April 2018

 The April 2018  shipments versus the April 2017  shipments on an inshell equivalent were down  approx. 1% 41,595  tons versus 42,048 last year.  

The FINAL receipts reported on Dec. 31st, 2017  for the Walnut crop are at 627,798 tons.

The kernel market continues to decrease each week on 20’s, 40’s and 80’s. The pieces market is starting to open up with more availability.

 Markets to Watch: 

Iran / Dubai/ Turkey-  The political situation in Iran has caused their currency to drop 40% in the past 24 hours.   This could have a big effect on shipments into Turkey and Dubai who sell in that market.

China -  There have been some rumblings about some additional arrests coming out of China for smuggling. The Chinese government has continued to crack down on the gray channels and it is making these routes very unpredictable.

Chile:  The Chilean Walnut packers have opened up their pricing on inshell Chandler, Serr's and Kernels, all sizes.   Both Hand Cracked and Machine Cracked halves are available.   Prices have continued to ease on Inshell and Kernels from Chile as demand seems to be slow to get going.    If you have a specific inquiry or need an update on CHILE, please ask us.   We have offers on ALL items.  

2018 California Crop:  Industry experts are stating the Tulare crop and Serr’s look really good this year, but the Howard and Vina will be down a little compared to last year.  It is too early to determine the Chandler crop.  Some are expecting a crop of 720,000 tons , with the low being 680,000 tons and the high side being 740,000 tons.