NAIROBI, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's macadamia and cashews exports surged considerably in 2021 as demand for the products rose globally, earning the east African 7.9 billion shillings (67.6 million U.S. dollars), the Nuts and Oil Crops Directorate said on Thursday.

       The country's export quantities of nuts and oil crops products increased from 6,065 tons in 2020 to 6,72 tons in 2021, the directorate said.

       In 2020, Kenya earned 57.4 million dollars from nuts that include macadamia, cashews and coconuts.

       According to the agency, industry players during the period reported increased demand from traditional buyers of Kenya's produce as the world recovered from the COVID-19 market disruptions.

       "The U.S. still remains the major buyer of Kenyan nuts primarily for use as snacks and in confectionary followed by Germany and Netherlands which are entry hubs for Kenyan products destined to the European Union," the agency said.

       Kenya is, however, working to expand its nut markets in Asia, particularly in China, according to the directorate.

       In January, Kenya and China signed several agreements to expand the trade of agricultural products like tea, coffee and macadamia nuts to the Chinese market.