Global Peanut Trade Update: Top Buyers and Market Shifts
Promoting U.S. Peanuts Abroad
The American Peanut Council continues to play a leading role in expanding international markets for U.S. peanuts. Through strategic programs in multiple countries, the Council works to boost global consumption and ensure steady demand for American-grown peanuts. Recent data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service offers insights into current export trends and highlights both opportunities and challenges for farmers.
Export Performance in Mid-2025
From January through July, peanut exports showed mixed results. While the industry continues to maintain strong buyers, shipments for June and July were down by approximately 20.20 percent, signaling some volatility in the market. Despite this dip, key trading partners remain committed to sourcing U.S. peanuts.
Top Buyers of U.S. Peanuts
- Mexico – The largest global buyer of American peanuts, Mexico increased purchases by 9.72 percent compared to last year, maintaining its position as the top importer.
- Canada – Ranked second, Canadian imports grew 10 percent, rising to about 82,000 metric tons from 75,000 metric tons a year earlier.
- China – Once a strong buyer, China’s imports declined sharply. Purchases dropped from 57,000 tons last year to just 19,000 tons this year, a decrease of 52 percent.
- Japan – Now the fourth-largest buyer, Japan has increased its ranking but still posted a decline of around 15 percent.
- Other Key Buyers – Rounding out the top 10 importers are the Netherlands, Trinidad and Tobago, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Germany.
Outlook for Peanut Farmers
Despite mixed international demand, U.S. peanut farmers remain optimistic. Favorable rainfall has boosted crop expectations, and growers are preparing for a strong harvest season. With production looking promising, the hope is that global buyers will continue to step up purchases and help balance the recent slowdown.
Audio Reporting by Tyron Spearman for Southeast AgNet.