Mozambique expands macadamia exports to China with new trade agreement 

MOZAMBIQUE – Mozambique is set to boost macadamia nut exports, capitalizing on its high commercial value and growing demand, particularly in the Chinese market. 

Feliza Macome, director of the Central Almond Production Development Services at the Almond Institute of Mozambique, confirmed that national authorities have secured a three-year trade protocol with China, allowing duty-free exports of macadamia nuts.  

The agreement also includes pigeon peas and cashew nuts, adding to a list of 400 Mozambican products already exported to China without customs fees. 

To implement the protocol effectively, efforts are underway to promote macadamia cultivation and encourage more local producers to enter the sector, which is currently dominated by foreign investors. 

“The objective is to encourage domestic production, processing, and export. We already have experience in Maputo and Niassa provinces and hope to expand further,” Macome stated. 

In 2023, Mozambique produced around 6,000 tons of macadamia nuts, primarily exported to South Africa at an international price of $5.00 per kilo. The country currently has 54 macadamia growers, of whom 27 are local producers. 

The provinces of Manica, Niassa, and Maputo have the highest concentration of commercial macadamia plantations, covering over 8,000 hectares. Authorities are also exploring regulatory measures for the commercialization of macadamias, similar to the system used for cashew nuts. 

The customs tariff exemption on macadamia nuts aligns with efforts to expand trade between Mozambique and China, enhance agricultural growth, and diversify national exports. In addition to China and South Africa, Mozambique also exports macadamias to Vietnam. 

This expansion comes as the global macadamia industry experiences strong recovery and growth. Improved market positioning and rising prices are stabilizing the sector after challenges posed by the COVID-19 economic downturn. 

Strategic marketing efforts have helped position macadamias as a mainstream ingredient, attracting product manufacturers and health-conscious consumers. 

Meanwhile, Global Macadamias, a key player in South Africa’s macadamia industry, announced price increases of up to 37%, depending on nut quality and crackout style. 

CEO Shane Hartman emphasized that the increases were necessary following years of market instability and declining prices, further highlighting the sector’s ongoing recovery. 

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