Almond growers are set to benefit from the current financial instability between the United States and China, allowing regional industry to enjoy better advantages.

The changing geo-political landscape is providing Riverland almonds growers with a fresh opportunity to leverage the existing free trade agreement with China.

The USA’s decision to impose levies on imports from China was met with reciprocal tariffs, with Californian almond growers now facing an extra 10 per cent in taxes, bringing total tariffs to 35 per cent.

Almond Board of Australia CEO Tim Jackson said “those punitive tariffs provide Australian almond growers with an increased advantage in one of the world’s-largest almond markets”.

“The trade agreements our federal governments have delivered have made a huge difference to grower returns and the retaliatory tariffs tend to accentuate that advantage,” Mr Jackson said. “Just like China, if there are advantages in certain countries as a result of retaliatory tariffs being imposed on US product, market forces will inevitably direct buyers toward supply sources where the import costs are cheaper.”

“Amidst the growing uncertainty the tariff changes will have on global trade, the Australian almond industry is razor-focused on building its brand presence globally.”

Last year, Australian Almonds announced acclaimed chef and television personality Poh Ling Yeow as a new global ambassador.

Looking to improve its global branding, Australian Almonds has announced swimmer Kyle Chalmers will join the global team of ambassadors.

“I am super excited to be partnering with Australian Almonds,” Mr Chalmers said.

“For me it makes a lot of sense – they are something I eat every single day in my diet.”

“I’m a massive almond eater and always have been. My grandfather had an almond tree in the backyard and we would pick and snack on them, so I have grown up loving them and having that special bond with my grandpa too.

“I see a great opportunity for me to help spread the word of how great Australian almonds can be for you and how regularly I eat them to be able to train and compete at the level I need to.”

Mr Chalmers’ ambassadorship aims to connect consumers with the high-quality nature of Australian almonds.

“Kyle joins us at a time when we have an opportunity to leverage our prominence in the market and take our message on the advantages of buying Australian almonds to a broader cohort,” Mr Jackson said.

“The fact remains that the world needs Californian almonds to meet demand, given it produces almost 80 per cent of the world’s supply.

“Our role in Australia, with about 10 per cent of the world’s almonds, is to provide a credible alternative source of supply and our primary goal is to target the premium end as much as possible to maximise returns to Australian growers.”

Global markets, especially the US, are looking to benefit from the advantages of almonds grown and imported from Australia, and the industry hopes to build on its positive results from the 2024-25 season, which saw record exports, one of the lowest carry-outs in years and 30 per cent year-on-year sales growth.

The total volume sold was 163,444 tonnes, with exports to China, India, Europe, and the Middle East leading the way, and Indonesia emerging as a potential growth market.

This article appeared in Murray Pioneer, 16 April 2025.