China Pine Nut Kernel Export Analysis Report: 2020
Writer: Ray@pinenut.net , Meihekou City Jinfeng Food Co., Ltd.
1. Annual Overview of 2020
In 2020, China’s rebounded to 11,709 MT (+12.2% YoY), recovering partially from 2019’s historic lows. This resurgence was fueled by pandemic-driven stockpiling and resilient demand in Europe. Key developments included:
- Germany’s recovery: Orders surged **+27.4% YoY** to 3,850 MT, reclaiming its position as the top buyer of .
- Logistics disruptions: COVID-19 lockdowns delayed to secondary markets like Canada and Japan.
- Vietnam’s re-entry: Exports resumed at 0.2 MT after a zero-shipment 2019, hinting at future potential.
2. Country-Specific Analysis of Pine Nut Kernel Exports
(A) Volume and Market Share Trends
| Country | 2020 Volume (MT) | YoY Change | Share (2020) | Key Trend (2016–2020) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 3,850.9 | +27.4% | 32.9% | Recovered share lost since 2016 (27.1% → 32.9%). |
| United States | 3,032.9 | +19.8% | 25.9% | Partial tariff rollbacks aided . |
| Mexico | 121.4 | +78.5% | 1.0% | Doubled imports since 2016 (59 MT → 121 MT). |
(B) Regional Highlights
- European Union:
- Germany’s rebound drove EU-wide to 5,066 MT (43.3% share), up from 5,347 MT in 2020.
- Spain’s imports crashed to 254.7 MT (-42.4% YoY) due to hospitality sector closures.
- North America:
- U.S. imports grew to 3,032.9 MT (+19.8% YoY) but remained below 2016 levels (-15.2%).
- Canada surged to 254.8 MT (+51.9% YoY), driven by retail demand for .
- Asia-Pacific:
- Australia sustained growth at 602.1 MT (+16.6% YoY), while Japan collapsed to 70.6 MT (-51.2% YoY).
3. Long-Term Trends in Pine Nut Kernel Exports (2016–2020)
(A) Stabilization of Core Markets
- Germany: Imported 18,830 MT of pine nut kernels from 2016–2020, a **-0.1% CAGR**, but retained dominance (30–33% share).
- U.S.: Volumes fell at a **-2.8% CAGR** (2016: 3,578 MT → 2020: 3,032 MT) despite 2020’s rebound.
(B) Asia-Pacific Diversification
- Australia: Emerged as a stable buyer, with imports rising at a **+4.6% CAGR** (2016: 902 MT → 2020: 602 MT).
- Vietnam: Minimal progress since 2016 (0.6 MT → 0.2 MT), underscoring logistical barriers.
(C) Price Inflation
- Average export prices for rose **+8% YoY** in 2020, driven by airfreight cost spikes.
4. Comparative Analysis with Historical Data (Pre-2020)
(A) EU Demand Volatility
- Germany’s 2020 recovery (+27.4%) contrasted with its **-4.4% CAGR** from 2016–2019.
- The Netherlands’ share halved to 6.6% (2020) vs. 10.5% (2016).
(B) Resilience in Niche Markets
- Libya maintained steady at 14 MT annually (2016–2020).
- Israel rebounded to 314.1 MT (2020) after a 2019 slump (-27.3% YoY).
