China Pine Nut Kernel Export Analysis Report: 2021
Writer: Ray@pinenut.net , Meihekou City Jinfeng Food Co., Ltd.
1. Annual Overview of 2021
China’s surged to 15,959 MT in 2021, a **+36.2% YoY increase** and the highest volume since 2017. This growth was driven by post-pandemic restocking and inflationary hoarding. Key drivers included:
- Hospitality sector recovery: Renewed demand from EU restaurants boosted in Germany (4,820 MT, +25.2% YoY) and the UK (906 MT, +31.1% YoY).
- Supply chain speculation: Buyers stockpiled amid fears of prolonged logistics disruptions.
- Vietnam’s breakout: Imports skyrocketed to 97.5 MT from near-zero levels, signaling emerging market potential.
2. Country-Specific Analysis of Pine Nut Kernel Exports
(A) Volume and Market Share Trends
| Country | 2021 Volume (MT) | YoY Change | Share (2021) | Key Trend (2016–2021) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 4,820.7 | +25.2% | 30.2% | Rebounded to 2018 levels but below 2017’s peak (5,360 MT). |
| United States | 3,813.8 | +25.7% | 23.9% | Partially recovered from tariff lows (-14.9% vs. 2016). |
| Vietnam | 97.5 | +48,650% | 0.6% | First meaningful imports of . |
| Israel | 744.0 | +137% | 4.7% | Surpassed 2017’s high (850 MT) post-drought recovery. |
(B) Regional Highlights
- European Union:
- Germany’s share stabilized at 30.2% (2021), while the Netherlands rebounded to 1,386 MT (+79.1% YoY).
- Southern Europe (Italy, Spain) imported 1,450 MT of pine nut kernels, a 5-year high.
- Middle East/North Africa (MENA):
- Israel’s 744 MT reflected post-demand recovery, while Tunisia collapsed to 60.5 MT (-43% YoY) amid political turmoil.
- Asia-Pacific:
- Vietnam emerged as a growth market for , while Australia plateaued at 823 MT.
3. Long-Term Trends in Pine Nut Kernel Exports (2016–2021)
(A) Post-Pandemic Rebound
- Total grew at a **+2.2% CAGR** (2016: 14,116 MT → 2021: 15,959 MT), recovering from 2016–2019 declines.
- Tariff adaptation: U.S. importers absorbed higher costs, limiting declines to **-14.9%** vs. 2016.
(B) Diversification Progress
- to non-EU markets rose from 23.1% (2016) to 32.5% (2021), led by Israel (+8.7% CAGR) and Mexico (+22.5% CAGR).
(C) Price Inflation
- Average export prices for rose **+18% YoY** in 2021 due to global food inflation and shipping cost spikes.
4. Comparative Analysis with Historical Data (Pre-2021)
(A) Germany’s Resilience
- Despite a **-0.3% CAGR** (2016–2021), Germany retained its dominance, importing 22,118 MT of pine nut kernels over six years.
(B) Collapse of Secondary EU Markets
- The Netherlands’ share halved to 8.7% (2021 vs. 16.6% in 2016) due to competition from Eastern European re-exporters.
(C) MENA Volatility
- Israel’s imports fluctuated wildly, peaking at 744 MT (2021) vs. 634 MT (2016), while Tunisia collapsed to 60.5 MT (from 297 MT in 2016).
