Macadamia nut-in-shell is quoted per metric tonne in US dollars, and that figure moves with a handful of factors that aren't always obvious to a first-time buyer. Understanding what drives macadamia nut prices per tonne helps you budget realistically and negotiate from a position of knowledge.
1. Grade and kernel recovery
The biggest driver is grade — and grade is mostly about size and kernel recovery. Larger nuts with higher recovery yield more sellable kernel per tonne, so they command more. As an indicative spread, premium >22mm grades sit around $4,300–4,700/t while commercial mixed grades run $3,000–3,500/t. When comparing quotes, always factor in kernel recovery: a higher NIS price with better KR can be cheaper per kilo of usable kernel. Our specifications guide explains how these numbers interact.
2. Global supply and demand
Macadamia is still a small crop relative to other tree nuts, so prices are sensitive to swings in supply. New plantings across Africa coming into bearing, weather events in major origins, and global harvest volumes all move the market. After several years of volatility, buyers should treat any quoted price as a snapshot, not a fixed rate.
3. The China factor
China is the largest macadamia market in the world, and its demand — especially for large in-shell snack nuts — exerts strong upward pressure on prices for premium grades. When Chinese buying is strong, large-nut premiums widen. Read more in our guide to supplying the Chinese market.
4. Incoterms and freight
The same nuts cost different amounts depending on how far the seller carries them. An EXW (farm gate) price looks cheapest but excludes inland transport, port handling, sea freight and insurance. FOB includes delivery to port and loading; CIF includes freight and insurance to your destination. For a landlocked origin like Zimbabwe, overland transport to Beira or Durban is a real cost baked into FOB and CIF quotes. Always compare like-for-like Incoterms — see our buying guide for the breakdown.
5. Quality, traceability and risk
A traceable, single-origin lot with reliable moisture and low defects is worth a premium over an anonymous blended one — because the hidden cost of a bad container (rejected kernel, mould, disputes) dwarfs a small saving on headline price. Buying direct from a grower-exporter reduces both the price (no broker margin) and the risk (full traceability).
How to use this when buying
Set your budget around the grade and kernel recovery you actually need — not just the lowest NIS price. Ask for indicative pricing across grades, confirm the Incoterm, and run a trial container to verify quality before locking in volume. Our current indicative per-tonne pricing is published on each product page.
For a tailored quote on your grade, volume and destination port, send us a trade enquiry — we respond within 24 hours. Buying in volume? See our bulk buying guide.