Significant Rise in Almond Imports 

India has witnessed a remarkable increase in almond imports during the first four months of the current financial year (2024-25). According to the latest official data, the country's almond imports have soared to 81,262 tonnes, marking a sharp 17% increase from the 69,432 tonnes recorded during the same period last year.

Breaking Down the Monthly Surge

Analyzing the month-wise import trends reveals significant fluctuations:

• April: Imports rose to 21,240 tonnes from 17,870 tonnes in 2023.
• May: There was a slight decrease, with imports falling to 17,182 tonnes from 22,033 tonnes.
• June: Imports increased significantly to 20,536 tonnes from 16,543 tonnes.
• July: The month recorded a sharp growth to 22,304 tonnes from 12,586 tonnes.

For context, during the entire financial year 2023-24, India imported approximately 260,000 tonnes of almonds, a steady increase from 248,000 tonnes in 2022-23 and 208,000 tonnes in 2021-22.

Economic and Seasonal Factors Fueling Imports

Despite the typically slow summer months of April to July, which lack major Indian festivals, almond imports surged by an additional 11,830 tonnes compared to the previous year. Analysts attribute this growth to adjustments in the import duty structure, particularly for American almonds, which dominate the Indian market. Major suppliers from California have benefited from these policy shifts, further driving up India's almond imports.

As India approaches the festive season from August to early November, followed by the wedding season, almond demand traditionally peaks. This seasonal trend is reflected in the import figures from the latter half of the previous financial year. Which included significant increases during these months:

• August: 16,363 tonnes
• September: 17,902 tonnes
• October: 23,180 tonnes
• November: 31,355 tonnes
• December: 36,175 tonnes This demand extends into early 2024, fueled by weddings and other auspicious ceremonies.

Projection on Almond Imports 

The robust growth in almond imports highlights India's increasing appetite for this popular dry fruit, driven by both increased demand and economic factors such as revised duty structures. With imports already showing strong numbers in the early months, the latter half of the financial year is likely to maintain this momentum, especially during the festive and wedding seasons. This trend underscores the importance of almonds in India’s evolving consumption patterns, making it a vital component of the dry fruits market.





Click here to reach our trading platfrom CMBroker