November 13, 2014

The Australian nut industry is hopeful that the current free trade negotiations with China will result in the elimination of all tariffs on Australian nut imports to that country within five years. Currently the value of Australian nut exports to China stands at $600 million with a 25% tariff on the three biggest sellers – walnuts, almonds, and macadamias. China is the second largest market in the world for tree nuts, and it continues to see expansion. The Australian Nut Industry Council forecasts that the value of Australian nut exports to China will exceed $1 billion by 2020, but to achieve this benchmark, an elimination of Chinese tariffs and increased access to this market will be integral.  Based on this, the Australian nut industry is investing heavily in increasing production. Walnuts Australia, for example, which produces over 90% of the country’s walnut crop is planning the expansion of its orchards in Tasmania and New South Wales. The elimination of tariffs would place Australia level in the market with Chile, and may help Australian nut exporters take market share in China from the U.S.

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