Almonds Market Under Pressure: Prices Weaken Amid Global and Domestic Headwinds

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The global almonds market is currently experiencing notable weakness, with prices slipping and trade sentiment in a cautious lull. In key Asian trading regions, Californian almond prices have dipped to $8.95 per kg (from $9.05/kg), signaling a broader softness across major hubs. The latest European spot prices reflect a similar trend, with standard U.S. Carmel SSR 18/20 kernels now at €6.72/kg, down from €6.77/kg, and Spanish Marcona varieties also under mild pressure.

Fresh crop arrivals, lackluster demand from both retailers and traders, and anticipation of further price easing have contributed to a risk-off mode among market participants. While festive seasons may offer brief demand increases, the underlying tone remains subdued due to ample supply and tepid consumption growth. Forward-looking analysts project that without a pronounced supply disruption or unexpected demand surge, prices are likely to hover near current levels in the short term. A watchful eye on U.S. weather—critical for the coming harvest—and global trade policy trends remains essential, given the U.S.’s dominance in world almond exports.

📈 Prices: Latest Almond Market Prices

Type Origin Location Delivery Terms Current Price (EUR/kg) Previous Price (EUR/kg) Change Update Date Offer Link
Carmel SSR 18/20 US Washington D.C. FAS 6.72 6.77 -0.05 2025-09-26 Offer
Carmel SSR 20/22 US Washington D.C. FAS 6.68 6.73 -0.05 2025-09-26 Offer
Natural, 27/30, Nonpareil SSR (Organic) US Washington D.C. FOB 9.32 9.37 -0.05 2025-09-26 Offer
Natural, 27/30, Nonpareil SSR (Organic) ES Madrid FOB 11.60 11.65 -0.05 2025-09-26 Offer
Marcona 12/14 ES Madrid FOB 6.65 6.70 -0.05 2025-09-26 Offer
Marcona S/16 ES Madrid FOB 8.90 8.95 -0.05 2025-09-26 Offer
For the full set of offers and historical data, visit commodity links above.

🌍 Supply & Demand

  • Demand Side: Weak buying interest is pressuring prices, particularly in the Indian and Asian markets. Buyers and traders are not stocking up, anticipating further declines.
  • Supply Side: Fresh crop arrivals from both California and Spain, two major global producers, are increasing supply. U.S. supplies are strong, but ongoing harvest logistics and short-term shipping constraints may intermittently impact inventories.
  • Trade Trends: Global almond trade remains robust, but sentiment is cautious. The U.S. continues to dominate global exports; Spain remains key in EU markets.

📊 Fundamental Drivers

  • USDA and Industry Reports: Recent USDA estimates point to a stable-to-larger U.S. almond crop for 2024/2025, underscoring ample supplies for export markets.
  • Consumer Trends: Retail and wholesale buyers remain conservative, watching for further price softening before restocking ahead of upcoming holidays.
  • Speculation and Sentiment: Weakness in speculative buying and tepid consumer demand is keeping the market subdued.

🌦️ Weather Outlook

  • California’s Central Valley, primary almond region, has reported near-average recent temperatures and soil moisture. Early autumn rains have been lighter than usual but not yet threatening crop quality.
  • Spain’s main almond regions are experiencing mild and dry weather, supporting harvest completion without notable quality losses. No major frost or disease events reported.

Weather risk remains low for the near-term, supporting ongoing harvest and pressing supply into the market.

🌎 Global Production & Stocks

Country 2024/25 Est. Production (t) 2024/25 Est. Ending Stocks (t)
USA 1,350,000 170,000
Spain 360,000 95,000
Australia 140,000 24,000
India
(imports)
N/A Large importer
Sources: USDA, International Nut & Dried Fruit Council, Industry Estimates, Oct 2024

📆 Trading Outlook & Market Recommendations

  • 📉 Short-term bias remains bearish. Avoid new long positions unless evidence of a strong demand recovery emerges for the holiday period.
  • 🛑 Stock up cautiously. If you are a retailer or processor, take only essential cover near-term as prices may fall further.
  • 🕒 Monitor U.S. logistics and ocean freight rates which could bring brief supply tightness but not change the overarching price direction.
  • 🔎 Watch for spot opportunities in secondary origins (Spain/Australia) should U.S. shipping delays arise.

🔮 3-Day Regional Price Forecast

Region Current Price (EUR/kg) 3-Day Forecast (EUR/kg) Sentiment
EU (US Origin SSR kernels) 6.72 6.65 – 6.75 Bearish / Stable
EU (Spain Origin Marcona) 6.65 6.60 – 6.68 Bearish
EU (Organic US Nonpareil) 9.32 9.28 – 9.36 Neutral / Bearish
Asia (Delhi – Californian Almonds, USD/kg) 8.95* (USD) 8.85 – 9.00 (USD) Bearish
*Note: Asian price in USD for local reference.