The Global Chess Game of Macadamia Nut Exports: Market Flows and Challenges Under Tariff Policies
In 2025, the tariff policies for macadamia nuts in major global markets have changed
In 2025, the tariff policies for macadamia nuts in major global markets have changed as follows:
United States Market
Effective April 2025: The United States imposed a 30% tariff on South African macadamia nuts and added a 10% surcharge on Australian macadamia nuts. Previously, the U.S. tariff on South African nuts had been raised to 30% before being lowered to 10%, but this new wave of tariffs raises it again. Export enterprises from all countries must reassess their procurement and export strategies.
August 2025: The U.S. expanded high tariffs on nuts from multiple countries, imposing "reciprocal tariffs" on imported nuts from over 60 countries, including Australia, South Africa, Brazil, and India, with rates varying from 10% to 100%.
Mid-November 2025: Due to domestic pressure in the U.S., the Trump administration announced that "reciprocal tariffs" would be waived for some agricultural products, including certain macadamia nuts. However, the specific list of exempted products must be confirmed via official announcements.
Chinese Market
Under the latest China-Africa economic and trade policy: In 2025, China implemented zero tariffs on macadamia nuts originating from specific African countries (notably Kenya, Malawi, etc.), promoting the large-scale entry of African nuts into the Chinese market.
China-U.S. nut trade: This trade remains affected by Section 301 tariffs. Starting in August 2025, applications for tariff exclusions on U.S. nut imports were suspended. Currently, tariffs on U.S. nuts (including macadamia nuts) range from 25% to 60%. For new applications after the end of October, the tariff range increases to 55%-75%.
Sino-U.S. negotiators reached short-term agreements on tariff exemptions in May and October, but their continuity and actual implementation are constrained by bilateral trade negotiations.
European Market
The European Union and the United Kingdom have largely maintained their existing tariff policies on macadamia nut imports from South Africa and Australia, with no drastic changes reported. South African exporters have indicated that their market share in Europe has increased following the rise in U.S. tariffs.
Other Countries and Regions
Canada: Currently maintains an open market for South African nuts, with no new tariff barriers added.
Kenya: To ensure the quality and maturity of the nuts, Kenya temporarily halted the harvesting of nuts-in-shell during the year (this is not directly related to tariffs but affects the export rhythm).
Summary
In 2025, U.S. tariffs on imported macadamia nuts increased significantly, with major producing countries like South Africa facing the greatest pressure.
China continues to promote zero-tariff policies for nuts from African origins but maintains high punitive tariffs on U.S. nuts.
The EU market remains stable, with South Africa's export focus shifting towards China and Europe.
Policies in all countries are undergoing dynamic adjustments. Exporters must pay close attention to the latest tariff announcements and exemption details. It is recommended to check official channels before each shipment. as follows:
United States Market
Effective April 2025: The United States imposed a 30% tariff on South African macadamia nuts and added a 10% surcharge on Australian macadamia nuts. Previously, the U.S. tariff on South African nuts had been raised to 30% before being lowered to 10%, but this new wave of tariffs raises it again. Export enterprises from all countries must reassess their procurement and export strategies.
August 2025: The U.S. expanded high tariffs on nuts from multiple countries, imposing "reciprocal tariffs" on imported nuts from over 60 countries, including Australia, South Africa, Brazil, and India, with rates varying from 10% to 100%.
Mid-November 2025: Due to domestic pressure in the U.S., the Trump administration announced that "reciprocal tariffs" would be waived for some agricultural products, including certain macadamia nuts. However, the specific list of exempted products must be confirmed via official announcements.
Chinese Market
Under the latest China-Africa economic and trade policy: In 2025, China implemented zero tariffs on macadamia nuts originating from specific African countries (notably Kenya, Malawi, etc.), promoting the large-scale entry of African nuts into the Chinese market.
China-U.S. nut trade: This trade remains affected by Section 301 tariffs. Starting in August 2025, applications for tariff exclusions on U.S. nut imports were suspended. Currently, tariffs on U.S. nuts (including macadamia nuts) range from 25% to 60%. For new applications after the end of October, the tariff range increases to 55%-75%.
Sino-U.S. negotiators reached short-term agreements on tariff exemptions in May and October, but their continuity and actual implementation are constrained by bilateral trade negotiations.
European Market
The European Union and the United Kingdom have largely maintained their existing tariff policies on macadamia nut imports from South Africa and Australia, with no drastic changes reported. South African exporters have indicated that their market share in Europe has increased following the rise in U.S. tariffs.
Other Countries and Regions
Canada: Currently maintains an open market for South African nuts, with no new tariff barriers added.
Kenya: To ensure the quality and maturity of the nuts, Kenya temporarily halted the harvesting of nuts-in-shell during the year (this is not directly related to tariffs but affects the export rhythm).
Summary
In 2025, U.S. tariffs on imported macadamia nuts increased significantly, with major producing countries like South Africa facing the greatest pressure.
China continues to promote zero-tariff policies for nuts from African origins but maintains high punitive tariffs on U.S. nuts.
The EU market remains stable, with South Africa's export focus shifting towards China and Europe.
Policies in all countries are undergoing dynamic adjustments. Exporters must pay close attention to the latest tariff announcements and exemption details. It is recommended to check official channels before each shipment.