Hazelnuts market in Western Asia

Earlier Report Observations

Hazelnut market volume in Western Asia increased from 401.5 thousand tons in 2018 to a peak of 658.3 thousand tons in 2022, with significant growth in 2019 and 2022. This expansion was primarily driven by the enlargement of cultivation areas and improvements in yield, supported by the state-owned Toprak Mahsulleri Ofisi (TMO) which conducted purchases to stabilize producer prices and prevent losses. The search for new export markets, such as the Far East and Scandinavia, further encouraged production growth.

Market volume and production declined in 2020 due to disruptions in global supply chains caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected export logistics, alongside challenging climatic conditions and pest issues that impacted harvests. Another decrease occurred in 2023, influenced by free-market price volatility despite continued TMO interventions, highlighting the sector's sensitivity to external shocks.

Throughout the period, the industry focused on modernizing processing facilities and increasing domestic consumption through promotional campaigns. Continuous government support, including area-based subsidies and incentives for good agricultural practices, aimed to stabilize producer incomes and address long-term challenges like orchard aging, while efforts to develop value-added products gained momentum.

Production hazelnuts in Western Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of hazelnuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of hazelnuts, 2017-2020

In Western Asia, hazelnut production reached 748 thousand tons in 2020, representing a significant decline of 12.5% from the previous year. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 584 thousand tons, while the peak occurred in 2019 with 854 thousand tons. The most substantial decrease took place in 2018, falling by 21.3%, whereas the largest increase was observed in 2019, rising by 46.2%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of hazelnut production in Western Asia amounted to 5 130 million US dollars in 2020, showing a modest decline of 4.7% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production value grew by 5.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 3 322 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 5 383 million US dollars. The most significant drop occurred in 2018, decreasing by 31.4%, and the largest rise was in 2019, increasing by 62.0%.

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

Exports hazelnuts from Western Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Western Asia exported 193.3 thousand tons of hazelnuts in 2020, marking a decrease of 15.6% from 2019. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 192.1 thousand tons, and the highest was in 2019 at 229.0 thousand tons. The most notable increase was recorded in 2019, rising by 19.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Germany, and France emerged as the primary markets for hazelnut exports in kind from Western Asia. Italy accounted for 31.8% of exports, Germany for 15.4%, and France for 7.0%. Together, these three countries represented 54.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, the value of hazelnut exports from Western Asia totaled 1 327 million US dollars, indicating a moderate decline of 8.1% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 4.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 092 million US dollars, while the peak was in 2019 at 1 443 million US dollars. The most significant decrease occurred in 2018, falling by 14.0%, and the largest increase was in 2019, rising by 32.1%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Italy, Germany, and France formed the core of hazelnut exports in value terms from Western Asia. Italy held 32.7% of export value, Germany 14.9%, and France 7.5%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 55.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports hazelnuts to Western Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Hazelnut imports into Western Asia declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 4.7 thousand tons, down by 21.5% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 50.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 20.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland were the largest suppliers of hazelnuts to Western Asia in kind, though none held a dominant position. Germany accounted for 9.0% of imports, Italy for 4.4%, and Switzerland for 2.4%. Together, these three countries represented 15.8% of total imports, with the remainder coming from a diverse range of smaller partners.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Imported hazelnut volumes in Western Asia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 46 million US dollars, which is 21.8% less than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 37.6%, with an annualized rate of 14.5%. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 75 million US dollars. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019, falling by 22.0%, while the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 2.4%.

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

The structure of hazelnut imports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was diversified, with Germany, Italy, and Switzerland as the top suppliers. Germany accounted for 10.0% of import value, Italy for 4.8%, and Switzerland for 3.0%. Together, these three countries represented just 17.8% of total flows, and no single country held a clearly dominant position.

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

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