South Africa’s Pecan Production and Exports Hit Record Highs in 2025

South Africa’s 2025 pecan harvest is drawing to a close. To gain insights into this season’s production and exports, Produce Report spoke with RP Campher, agricultural economist at the South African Pecan Nut Producers Association.

According to Campher, this year’s crop has performed strongly, with exports to China maintaining solid momentum. By week 38, in-shell pecan production for the 2025 season had reached about 49,700 metric tons, of which 41,600 metric tons were exported. This marks a significant step up from the previous year, when the industry set records with 37,157 metric tons of total production and 33,708 metric tons of in-shell exports. Both figures have now been surpassed, establishing new milestones for South Africa’s pecan sector.

Notably, about 99% of in-shell exports this season were shipped to China, with the remainder processed into kernels for both domestic and overseas markets. Favorable weather, along with smooth harvesting, processing and shipping operations, supported a reliable supply. The harvest period of May to September also coincides with peak demand in China, spanning the National Day holiday, Mid-Autumn Festival and the Double 11 shopping festival. This seasonal alignment continues to reinforce South Africa’s competitiveness on the Chinese market.

Campher also highlighted that product quality this season was excellent. By week 38, around 97% of pecans exported had achieved a kernel yield above 55%, with consistently strong results for kernel fullness and uniform sizing. These outcomes reflect ongoing improvements in South Africa’s cultivation practices, harvest management, processing capability and supply chain coordination.

In June, China introduced a policy granting zero tariffs on all products from the 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations. When in place, this policy will give pecans from South African tariff-free access to the Chinese market, a development that industry experts believe will further boost their presence in China.

In this context, South African exporters are focusing on strengthening supply chain reliability and solidifying the country’s position as a leading Southern Hemisphere supplier. With global demand for healthy snacks on the rise, pecans — renowned for their nutritional value — are well positioned to expand their presence on international markets in the years ahead.

This year, as the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival are celebrated together, the South African pecan sector is seizing the opportunity to partner with leading social media influencers to showcase the season’s freshly harvested, premium pecans on the Chinese market. Through engaging experiences and creative storytelling, these influencers will introduce more Chinese consumers to the distinctive flavor and exceptional quality of South African pecans, helping the industry to capture strong market momentum during the peak sales season.

Image: South African Pecan Nut Producers Association