Chestnuts market in Eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018, the chestnut market in Eastern Asia experienced steady production volumes around 1.6 million tons, supported by the rising role of e-commerce as a new growth driver for the industry. Online sales channels expanded market access and boosted brand visibility, particularly in China's Qinglong chestnut region, helping to maintain stable domestic supply despite minor fluctuations.

Market value began a significant ascent after 2020, peaking at $4.11 billion in 2022. This increase was propelled by growing consumer recognition of chestnuts' health and nutritional benefits, which spurred demand in confectionery and functional foods. Concurrently, the rise of major producing regions like Ibaraki Prefecture in Japan, which became the country's top chestnut producer, encouraged local processing and brand building, adding value to the market.

By 2023, the market faced price volatility due to regional production declines, climate impacts, and rising costs, which contributed to a lower market value. However, continued innovation in deep processing—such as ready-to-eat chestnut kernels and pastries—catered to year-round demand. In 2024, improved climatic conditions supported production, while strengthened geographical indication management and live-streaming e-commerce further diversified sales channels and enhanced farmer incomes, setting the stage for market development.

Production chestnuts in Eastern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of chestnuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of chestnuts, 2017-2020

Eastern Asia's chestnut production volume increased after a two-year decline. In 2019, production reached its lowest point at 1 592 thousand tonnes. The following year, in 2020, output rose to 1 621 thousand tonnes, representing a modest increase of 1.9% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018, when production fell by 1.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Eastern Asia's chestnut production value declined for the second consecutive year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 3 938 million US dollars. In 2019, production experienced its largest decline, dropping by 6.5%. By 2020, output was valued at 3 599 million US dollars, showing a slight decrease of 2.2% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value decreased by 7%, with an average annual decline of 2.4%.

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

Exports chestnuts from Eastern Asia

Exports in kind, t

Eastern Asia's chestnut export volume totaled 42 214 tonnes in 2020, marking a contraction of 4.2% from the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 44 080 tonnes, which represented the largest increase of 4.4% during the period.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Thailand, Asia (not elsewhere specified), and Vietnam were among the largest buyers of chestnuts from Eastern Asia, accounting for 11.4%, 9.5%, and 8.3% of exports in kind respectively. However, even combined, these three markets represented just 29.2% of total exports, indicating a broadly diversified partner base.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Eastern Asia's chestnut export value declined for the second consecutive year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 102.5 million US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 2.4%. By 2020, exports had decreased to 93.7 million US dollars, representing an 8.1% decline from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value fell by 6.5%, equating to an average annual decline of 2.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, no single market dominated Eastern Asia's chestnut exports in value terms. Thailand accounted for 14.2% of exports, Asia (not elsewhere specified) for 11.4%, and Vietnam for 10.1%. Together, these three markets represented only 35.6% of total export value, while many smaller partners each held modest individual shares.

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

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

Imports chestnuts to Eastern Asia

Imports in kind, t

Eastern Asia's chestnut import volume increased in 2020 after a two-year decline. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 9 445 tonnes. In 2020, imports rose to 11 008 tonnes, showing a significant improvement of 16.6% from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, when imports fell by 51.4%. Over the 2017-2020 period, import volume decreased by 44.2%, with an average annual decline of 17.6%.

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

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Eastern Asia's chestnut import value declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 37.3 million US dollars, marking a decrease of 26.2% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value fell by 46.2%, equating to an average annual decline of 18.7%.

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

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

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