Chestnuts market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Portuguese chestnut market volume grew from 21.8 thousand tons to 36.1 thousand tons. This expansion was driven by an increase in chestnut orchard area, particularly in the Trás-os-Montes region, supported by EU incentives and favorable weather conditions. Additionally, investments in modern processing and packaging technologies, along with the entry of new young producers, boosted production and enhanced product quality.

After peaking in 2020, market volume declined to 29 thousand tons in 2021 and further to 15.1 thousand tons in 2023. A major factor was the devastating impact of forest fires in 2022, which caused an estimated 20-22 million euros in production losses and significantly reduced yields in northern and central regions. Phytosanitary issues such as septoria continued to affect productivity.

By 2023, the market volume had contracted to 15.1 thousand tons, more than halving since 2020. Despite the expansion of chestnut orchards to 51,174 hectares, the aftermath of fires and diseases persisted, limiting supply recovery.

Production chestnuts in Portugal

In kind, 2018-2021, t

On a global scale, Portugal ranked as the 7th largest producer of chestnuts during the period from 2018 to 2021.

Top producers of chestnuts, 2018-2021

World map of production of chestnuts, 2018-2021

Portugal's chestnut production volume declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 37 720 tonnes of chestnuts, which represents a decrease of 10.6% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production increased by 10.5%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 3.4%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 43 840 tonnes, with the largest year-on-year increase of 28.5% also occurring in that year.

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

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2021, the output of chestnuts in Portugal was valued at 119.2 million US dollars, marking a modest increase of 3.1% compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 115.6 million US dollars, while the highest value was in 2019 at 122.8 million US dollars. The most significant decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 5.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports chestnuts from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year contraction, Portugal's exported chestnut volumes increased in 2021. The country exported 10 407 tonnes of chestnuts, which is 26.1% higher than the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 30.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -11.4%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 8 253 tonnes, and the largest decline of 42.1% also occurred in that year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Italy, Spain, and France were the main destinations for Portugal's chestnut exports in kind. Italy accounted for 40.7% of exports, Spain for 33.5%, and France for 13.5%, collectively absorbing 87.7% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year drop, Portugal's chestnut export value increased in 2021. Exports reached 32.9 million US dollars, which is 45.4% higher than the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 37.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -14.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 22.621 million US dollars, and the largest decline of 43.3% also occurred in that year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Italy, Spain, and France continued to lead as the top buyers of Portuguese chestnuts in value terms. Italy accounted for 40.9% of exports, Spain for 26.3%, and France for 14.4%, together representing 81.5% of total export value.

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

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

Imports chestnuts to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

Portugal imported 1 675 tonnes of chestnuts in 2021, representing a sharp drop of 23.5% from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 35.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -13.4%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 28.4%, while the largest increase occurred in 2020 at 18.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain was the dominant source for chestnut imports to Portugal, absorbing 73.5% of total imports in kind, with the remainder distributed among a variety of smaller countries.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Portugal's chestnut import value increased for the second consecutive year in 2021. Imports amounted to 5.574 million US dollars, representing a 13.4% gain year-over-year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 27.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -10.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 4.575 million US dollars, and the largest decline of 40.5% also occurred in that year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain remained the primary source for chestnut imports to Portugal, accounting for 74.0% of total imports in value terms, while the rest was distributed among other countries.

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

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