The duty was imposed in 1922 to control the private production of marzipan, a popular sweet in Denmark. It became unpopular due to the 20th century’s focus on health and wellness. Nuts are healthy and an important source of nutrients for vegans. During the last few years, the government has been pressured to reduce and abolish the tax levies on nuts. Most notable is the movement Knæk Afgiften, started by Mads Lønnberg, a nuts importer in Copenhagen (read the whole story in Danish here).

Thanks to Mads, we will possibly enjoy the benefit of cheaper nuts from the New Year 2020. I say "possibly" because it depends on the retailers’ decision on pricing for nuts. They may keep all the deductions to themselves and run the business as usual, or they may bypass it to the buyers by lowering the price. At least you know now how much you can bargain on nuts.