Chestnuts market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

The Hungarian chestnut market volume showed notable fluctuations between 2018 and 2021. Starting at 2 081 tons in 2018, the market was supported by broad economic growth in Hungary, particularly in the service and tourism sectors, which bolstered demand for agricultural products. The following year saw a moderate contraction to 1 958 tons. In 2020, market volume rebounded to 2 169 tons, a shift influenced by changes in consumer habits during the COVID-19 pandemic, including increased remote work, which altered purchasing patterns. The market stabilized near 2 126 tons in 2021 amid a tightening labor market, where talent shortages and workplace transparency issues began affecting business operations.

A strong surge lifted the chestnut market to 2 445 tons in 2022. This growth was primarily driven by evolving consumer trends that emphasized sustainability and brand ethics, leading to greater demand for natural and environmentally conscious food products like chestnuts. Additionally, the broader context of rising raw material costs and supply constraints in related sectors reflected ongoing market pressures. In 2023, however, the market volume fell sharply to 1 423 tons, marking a significant correction.

Production chestnuts in Hungary

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Hungary was among the world's leading chestnut producers from 2018 to 2021, ranking 21st globally by production volume.

Top producers of chestnuts, 2018-2021

World map of production of chestnuts, 2018-2021

Hungary's chestnut production increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 260.0 t of chestnuts, showing a modest 4.0% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production grew by 73.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 20.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports chestnuts from Hungary

Exports in kind, t

The market showed significant volatility during these years. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2021 at 0.1 t, while the peak occurred in 2019 at 2 t, representing a 13.1-fold difference. In 2021, chestnut exports from Hungary fell by 92.1% year-over-year. The largest increase was in 2019, with a surge of 838.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Romania dominated Hungary's chestnut exports in volume, accounting for 88.6% of total flows, while other markets played a less significant role.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout this period. The lowest export value was in 2018, while the peak was in 2020 at 11 K $ US, creating a 29-fold amplitude between these years. In 2021, Hungary exported 1 K $ US of chestnuts, a reduction of 93.1% compared to the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a jump of 1 733.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Romania accounted for 89.6% of Hungary's chestnut exports in value terms, with the remaining flows distributed among a broad group of smaller countries.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021

Imports chestnuts to Hungary

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, chestnut imports to Hungary totaled 1 866 t, marking a slight decline of 2.9% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 3.4%, with an average annual decline of 1.1%. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 1 760 t, which saw the largest decline of 8.9%. The largest increase was in 2020, with a rise of 9.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

Throughout 2018-2021, Albania (27.5% of imports in volume), North Macedonia (22.7%), and Portugal (19.6%) formed the key group of partners for Hungary's chestnut imports, jointly representing 69.9% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Chestnut imports to Hungary increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, Hungary imported approximately 4 442 K $ US of chestnuts, representing a robust advance of 22.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 11.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 3 551 K $ US, which saw the largest decline of 11.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021