Where are peanuts grown around the world?
Peanuts are grown in the warm climates of Asia, Africa, Australia, and North and South America. The United States has about three percent of the world acreage of peanuts, but grows nearly 10 percent of the world’s crop because of higher yields per acre. The rest of the world’s peanut production comes mainly from Argentina, Brazil, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa.
World peanut production totals about 29 million metric tons per year. The United States is the world’s third largest producer, after China and India. Worldwide peanut exports are about 1.25 million metric tons.
U.S. Exports
The United States is one of the world’s leading peanut exporters, with average annual exports of between 200,000 and 250,000 metric tons. In 2010 exports totaled more than $244.5 million, surpassing imports by roughly $212.1 million. (FAS)
The largest U.S. export market for U.S. peanuts in 2010 was Canada, which purchased peanuts valued at more than $80 million, followed by Mexico, which purchased peanuts valued at more than $54 million (FAS). The U.S. reputation for high-quality products has facilitated exports to countries in the European Union and others.
