China recently decided to lower its import tariff on in-shell and shelled pecans from 24 percent to 10 percent. This is good news for the U.S. pecan industry, which continues to work to expand the nut’s newfound global demand and markets, keeping prices higher and more stable for farmers in recent years.

“The reduction in the Chinese pecan tariff from 24 percent to 10 percent is going to put pecans in a very competitive place, and will have a significant positive impact on the value of pecans in the United States,” said Jay Glover, president of the National Pecan Growers Council.

“We are proud of our pecans here in Georgia and I am happy to be able to welcome this win for our state’s industry. With lower import tariff rates, the boost of trade to China will bring jobs and revenue right back home to middle and southwest Georgia,” said Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, (Ga.-D), who hosted representatives from the China Nut Roasters Association in Georgia to discuss issues surrounding trade in pecans. Bishop’s Second Congressional District is the largest pecan producing Congressional District in the nation.

“It is estimated that Georgia annually exports over 75 percent of their total production to China, with a gross value of production estimated at over $150 million. The Georgia Pecan Growers would like to thank Congressman Bishop for his recent hosting of representatives from the China Nut Roasters Association that played a significant role in recommending the recent tariff reduction,” said Randy Hudson, Georgia pecan grower.

Commercially produced in 14 states, pecans are the only native tree nut grown in the United States. Approximately 80 percent of the world’s pecan production is located in the United States. The U.S. pecan crop totaled 302.8 million pounds in 2012, a 12 percent increase from 2011.