Chestnuts market in Asia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the Asian chestnut market volume showed moderate fluctuations, starting at 1 658 K t. In 2018, the market was underpinned by strengthened industry foundations and a significant boost from e-commerce in major Chinese producing regions like Qinglong, with China accounting for nearly 90% of global production. The market dipped to 1 628 K t in 2019 before recovering to 1 675 K t in 2020 and stabilizing around 1 671 K t in 2021.

From 2022 to 2023, the market volume grew to 1 686 K t. E-commerce live streaming emerged as a powerful driver, directly expanding sales channels and consumer reach. Recurring climatic pressures and pests periodically constrained yield and quality, contributing to domestic supply tightness. Concurrently, the entry of new agricultural entrepreneurs focusing on deep processing, such as Li Sipeng, began diversifying product offerings and adding value, supporting overall market resilience and growth. Developments in 2024, including enhanced geographical indication management and a shift towards health-focused, diversified products, pointed to continued industry transformation.

Production chestnuts in Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of chestnuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of chestnuts, 2017-2020

After two years of decline, chestnut production in Asia rebounded in 2020. That year, Asia produced 1 698 thousand tonnes of chestnuts, marking a 2.0% increase compared to 2019. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 1 665 thousand tonnes, while the largest annual decline occurred in 2018 with a drop of 1.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Chestnut production in Asia declined for the second consecutive year in 2020. The output was valued at 4 337 million US dollars, representing a 3.1% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 11.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -3.9%. The peak value was reached in 2018 at 5 222 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 6.8%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 with a 14.2% drop.

Annual dynamics of production in Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports chestnuts from Asia

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Asia exported 47 180 tonnes of chestnuts, a decrease of 9.9% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports declined by 2.6%, with a CAGR of -0.9%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 52 358 tonnes, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 9.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Asia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Analysis of export volumes from 2017 to 2020 reveals a diverse distribution across multiple markets. Italy accounted for 14.8% of exports, followed by 'Asia, not elsewhere specified' at 7.4%, and the Netherlands at 2.9%. Together, these three destinations represented just 25.1% of total flows, with the remaining 74.9% going to various other partners.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Asia's chestnut exports declined for the second consecutive year in 2020, totaling 120.5 million US dollars. This represented a substantial drop of 14.4% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value decreased by 12.6%, with a CAGR of -4.4%. The peak was reached in 2018 at 148.2 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 7.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Asia's chestnut exports in value terms showed moderate concentration. Italy accounted for 19.4% of export value, 'Asia, not elsewhere specified' for 8.3%, and the United States for 2.9%. Combined, these three markets captured only 30.6% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Asia in value, 2017-2020

Imports chestnuts to Asia

Imports in kind, t

After two years of decline, Asia's chestnut imports increased in 2020. The region imported 24 407 tonnes, a significant rise of 54.3% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 18.6%, with a CAGR of -6.6%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 15 820 tonnes, while the largest annual decline occurred in 2018 with a 33.4% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Asia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Italy was the largest source of chestnut imports to Asia in volume terms, accounting for 1.0% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Asia's chestnut imports declined for the third consecutive year in 2020, amounting to 77.8 million US dollars. This represented a slight decrease of 1.0% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value fell by 28.2%, with a CAGR of -10.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Italy remained the primary and most stable source of chestnut imports to Asia in value terms, accounting for 2.3% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Asia in value, 2017-2020