U.S. tree nut production in 2010 totaled 2.4 million tons (unshelled), 18 percent larger than the previous year. The nut crop was valued at $5.4 billion, up 29 percent from 2009.  (NASS 2011)

Almond, walnut and pistachio production all increased in 2010, from 17 to 47 percent. On the other hand, hazelnut, pecan and macadamia nut production declined from the previous year. Likewise, the value of the 2010 almond, pecan and pistachio crops all increased more than 17 percent, while the value of the hazelnut and macadamia nut crops dropped 25 percent and 1 percent respectively.  (NASS 2011)  

Tree nut consumption rose to 3.6 pounds per person in 2007. Americans ate more almonds and pistachios, but fewer hazelnuts, pecans and walnuts. In general, the top three nuts eaten in the United States are almonds, walnuts and pecans.  (ERS 2008)

California is the country's leading producer of tree nuts. Nearly 90 percent of each year's tree nut production is harvested from the state's orchards, including almost all almonds, pistachios and walnuts. Together, Georgia, New Mexico and Texas produce 75 percent of the U.S. pecan crop.  (ERS 2008)

According to USDA, China bought $737 million in tree nuts from the United States in 2009, up from $89 million five years earlier. China emerged as the top foreign buyer of American almonds in 2010, more than doubling its purchases from two years ago. In 2009, China was the top foreign buyer of American walnuts, and in 2007 it became the leading export market for pecans.  (New York Times 2010)
 

Sources

Fostering China’s Taste for Nuts, New York Times, 2010

Fruit and Tree Nuts Situation and Outlook Yearbook, ERS, USDA, 2008.

Noncitrus Fruits and Nuts, National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA, 2011.

Topics:

• Almonds
• Black Walnut
• Chestnuts
• English Walnut
• Hazelnuts
• Peanuts
• Pecans
• Pine Nuts
• Pistachios