Zimbabwe’s macadamia nut exports have surged by an impressive 53 percent, rising from five million kilograms in 2023 to eight million in 2024. Despite this growth, the value of exports increased by only 29 percent due to a decline in average prices from US$1.29 per kilogramme to US$1.09 per kilogramme.
According to data from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStats), macadamia exports rose from 5,244,665 kilograms in 2023 to 8,026,853 kilograms in 2024. However, the overall earnings grew from US$6,788,159 to US$8,748,377, reflecting the impact of falling prices.
Macadamia nut prices have been in continuous decline, dropping from a high of US$2.91 per kilogramme in 2020 to just US$1.09 in 2024, marking a significant 63 percent decrease.
Macadamia Producers Association of Zimbabwe (MPAZ) secretary-general, Mr. Fortune Gurai, has called on the government to establish a trade protocol with China, arguing that such an agreement would enable Zimbabwean macadamia nuts to access the lucrative Chinese market.
“We want the Government to help farmers by engaging China to allow our product to access the largest export market. If our macadamia is zero-rated, just like in Mozambique, the demand and price will firm,” said Mr. Gurai.
China has a strong demand for macadamia nuts, as its domestic production does not meet local consumption needs. Mr. Gurai noted that viable macadamia prices should be above US$2.20 per kilogramme for nuts in shell at 10 percent moisture content.
Mr. Gurai also emphasized that setting minimum prices for macadamia nuts is not a viable option, as prices should be determined by market forces. He further highlighted the challenge faced by farmers who lack drying facilities, forcing them to sell their nuts at low prices to middlemen.
“Since macadamia is perishable when it’s not cured (dried), it is advisable for farmers to build on-farm curing facilities so that they can store their product and sell when prices are viable,” he said.
In 2023, macadamia prices hit a record low of US$0.60 per kilogramme, making it difficult for many farmers to afford necessary inputs for production. This situation negatively impacted the quality of the crop, as some farmers resorted to using cheaper, generic inputs unsuitable for macadamia plantations.
Macadamia trees require specific fertilizers, including Compound J, calcium, and phosphorus, as well as different chemicals at various growth stages, including flowering, fruiting, and oil accumulation.
Zimbabwe has made strides in securing trade agreements for its agricultural exports. In 2024, the country signed a Protocol for Phytosanitary Requirements for the export of fresh avocados to China. This follows the signing of a citrus protocol three years ago, which allowed Zimbabwean citrus to enter the Chinese market for the first time in 2023.
The Horticultural Development Council (HDC) has expressed its commitment to working with the government to establish similar trade protocols for blueberries, pecans, and macadamia nuts.
“Expanding market access for Zimbabwean produce will benefit growers and reinforce the importance of horticulture in economic growth,” said the HDC.
With continued efforts to negotiate favorable trade agreements, Zimbabwe’s macadamia sector could unlock new opportunities and improve earnings for farmers, ensuring the industry’s long-term sustainability.
