The USDA indicates that 69% of the peanuts are planted on May 25, 2025. This is 4% greater than it was at the same time last year. 90% of peanuts are planted in Virginia. This is down from last year but 9% higher than the five-year average. Other key peanut-producing states such as North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama are also progressing well.

U.S. Peanut Sowing Advances Amid Weather Concerns

The USDA believes 2025/2026's planted area would be around 758,000 hectares, and the crops would reach 3.1 million metric tons. Weather is crucial since already there has been delay in plantation due to dry weather. Olam International has stated that if the weather remains dry, it may impact the overall production.

Next week, the weather is predicted to be significantly different across key states producing peanuts:

* Virginia: Expecting hazy sunshine with highs around 85°F (29°C) and lows near 60°F (16°C).

* North Carolina: Look for hazy sunshine. The high is 84°F (29°C) and the low is 58°F (15°C).

* Georgia: Mostly sunny with haze. High of 89°F (32°C) and low of 68°F (20°C).

Alabama: Expect it to be partially sunny. The high is 88°F (31°C) and the low is 70°F (21°C).

These are favorable conditions for the peanuts, but care should be taken to check them to prevent trouble from a lack of rain.

Peanut Prices In India Continue To Decline

In India, peanut prices have been on a declining trajectory. After a 9% drop in May, the downward trend has persisted into early June. Most peanut varieties have experienced price reductions, except Bold 40-50 peanuts, which have maintained firm prices since last week.

Currently, the export prices of Indian peanuts are:

40-50 is costing $1,190 per metric ton.

* 50-60: Each metric ton is worth $1,150

* Bold 60-70: $1,135 per metric ton

* Java 50-60: $1,245 per metric ton

* 60-70 Java: $1,160 per metric ton

Java 70-80 is $1,165 per metric ton.

The price decline is attributed to several factors, including reduced domestic demand and increased competition from other exporting countries. Additionally, the summer peanut crop in India has seen significant reductions, with some states reporting decreases of nearly 50% compared to the seven-year average. This has led to an oversupply in certain markets, further pressuring prices downward.

EU Peanut Imports Rise, U.S. Shipments Decline

The EU received 11% more peanut imports between January 1 and May 18, 2025, compared to the corresponding period last year. The imports amounted to 280,835 metric tons and were valued at €459 million ($524 million).

Argentina remains the EU's biggest supplier, increasing its exports by a robust 65%. The United States has been replaced by China as the EU's second largest supplier, and its overall exports to the EU have increased 3%. Meanwhile, U.S. peanut exports to the EU have declined 60%, indicating a huge shift in trade flows.

Other significant changes to EU peanut imports are:

* Egypt: Exports increased by 21.9%

* Brazil: Shipments decreased significantly

Both Nicaragua and Paraguay experienced large declines in their export levels to the EU.

The Netherlands remains the leading EU nation for imports of peanuts, increasing by 20% compared to last year. Italy, Spain, Poland, and Germany also import significant amounts.

Global Market Outlook and Predictions

The global peanut market is projected to reach \$92.77 billion in 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.6% leading up to 2030. China and India are the largest consumers and exporters of peanuts, accounting for over 36% of global consumption during the 2022-2023 period. However, production faces challenges due to adverse weather conditions and pest infestations, which can lead to price fluctuations and hinder market growth.

In the United States, despite the current progress in peanut sowing, the market remains sensitive to weather patterns. Consistently low ending stocks have contributed to price stability, with the average price for the 2024/2025 marketing year projected to be around \$530 per ton. However, any significant weather disruptions could impact this stability.

India's peanut industry is struggling. Prices are decreasing, but it's exporting more because more individuals, particularly those in China, require peanuts. The demand is increasing partially due to trade issues and U.S. peanut export tariffs, making Indian peanuts attractive to certain markets.

Conclusion

The international peanut market is shifting rapidly due to weather, trade regulations, and consumer demand. Peanut farmers are sowing peanuts under uncertain weather conditions in the United States, while India is experiencing reduced prices and production issues. Meanwhile, the EU is shifting the way it imports peanuts, revealing larger shifts in international trade links. All the stakeholders along the peanut value chain have to remain watchful and adaptable to cope with the changing markets.