Why Spanish almonds are gaining ground vs. US almonds in a tariff-sensitive context
In the Nordics, interest is growing in European almonds: fewer miles, faster logistics and lower geopolitical exposure—key factors for purchasing and contracts.
The market shift: from “price” to “risk” (and tariffs enter the equation)
For years, the comparison between Spanish almonds and US almonds has revolved around price, grades and availability. But the international landscape has changed: today, procurement discussions increasingly include a new word—risk. Risk linked to tariffs, trade tensions, logistics disruptions and regulatory changes.
In 2025, for example, the EU even announced retaliatory tariff measures on certain US products, including some nuts, within the broader context of trade disputes. And while lists and timelines can change through negotiation or temporary suspension, the takeaway for European buyers was clear: exposure to third-country trade measures can affect landed costs and planning.
The Nordics: high standards, long-term planning and a preference for secure supply chains
Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland are typically markets where buyers place strong value on:
- proven sustainability,
- traceability and transparency,
- consistent quality,
- and increasingly, security of supply.
In this context, “European almonds” (with Spain as a key origin) become more relevant as both a geopolitical and logistical argument: fewer food miles, greater control across the chain, and less exposure to extra-EU trade shocks.
Spanish almonds as a logistics advantage vs. US almonds
For Nordic buyers, logistics is not just transportation—it’s risk management and service.
Typical advantages of a European origin (Spain) for Northern Europe include:
- Fewer miles vs. extra-EU origins → less dependence on long routes and volatile freight costs.
- Faster logistics: shorter lead times, more flexible replenishment, less capital tied up in stock.
- Lower in-transit risk (incidents, port delays, changing trade conditions).
- EU framework: a more harmonised regulatory and documentation environment for European importers.
This doesn’t remove the competitiveness of US almonds (still a major supplier into Europe), but it does shift the balance: it’s not only about €/kg—it’s also about total landed cost and stability.
Context note (Europe): In 2023, more than half of Europe’s almond imports came from the US, with Spain among the most relevant secondary origins.
Tariffs and geopolitics: why buyers are looking to diversify
When trade uncertainty rises, many procurement strategies move toward:
- origin diversification,
- more flexible contracting,
- and suppliers with strong responsiveness.
The ongoing cycle of announcements, proposals and suspensions of trade measures makes professional buyers more cautious: they scenario-plan and reduce reliance on a single origin when possible.
What “the best almond” means in the Nordic market (and how Spain competes)
Saying “the best” isn’t only about taste. For Nordic buyers it usually means a bundle of attributes:
- lot-to-lot consistency,
- clear specifications (size, colour, % breakage),
- food safety and controls,
- sustainability backed by evidence,
- and flawless documentation/compliance.
That’s why Spanish almonds strengthen their positioning in Europe—especially in the Nordics—when framed as European almonds with full value: product + logistics + trust.
In the Nordics, Spanish almonds are gaining ground as ‘European almonds’ thanks to faster logistics, lower exposure to extra-EU tariffs and a more controllable supply chain.
