In-shell hazelnuts market in China

Earlier Report Observations

The in-shell hazelnuts market in China grew substantially from 2018 to 2023, with consumption rising from 30 801 t to 35 183 t despite annual volatility. This expansion was primarily fueled by rising health awareness among consumers, who increasingly sought out nuts as nutritious snacks. The demand surge was met largely through imports, which jumped from 5 640 t in 2018 to 16 954 t in 2019 as e-commerce channels expanded into lower-tier cities and attracted younger buyers.

Market volume faced a setback in 2020, falling to 33 130 t as Sino-US trade friction disrupted supply chains and raised import costs. However, consumption rebounded in 2021 and 2022, reaching 41 326 t, supported by continued policy emphasis on rural e-commerce and smart agriculture, which improved distribution. The import volume fluctuated in response to these trade and policy shifts.

By 2023, the market settled at 35 183 t, with domestic producers investing in modern cultivation techniques like dwarf dense planting to boost yields. Intensifying competition among major brands such as Wolong and Haomusi also shaped the landscape, though import levels dipped that year. Overall, the period saw the hazelnut market driven by consumer health trends, variable import access, and gradual technological upgrading in local farming.

Production in-shell hazelnuts in China

In kind, 2017-2020, t

China was among the world's leading producers of in-shell hazelnuts from 2017 to 2020, ranking 6th globally by production volume.

Top producers of in-shell hazelnuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of in-shell hazelnuts, 2017-2020

In 2020, China produced 24 939 tonnes of in-shell hazelnuts, marking a 1.7% increase compared to 2019. Production peaked in 2018 at 25 170 tonnes, with the largest annual increase of 2.7% recorded that year. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 2.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in China in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports in-shell hazelnuts from China

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes of in-shell hazelnuts from China showed notable fluctuations during this period. The minimum volume was recorded in 2018 at 9 tonnes, while exports peaked in 2019 at 105 tonnes, representing a dramatic 1,028.8% increase from the previous year. In 2020, exports dropped to 22 tonnes, a decrease of 78.8% compared to 2019, with the ratio between the highest and lowest volumes reaching 11.3 times.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hong Kong and South Korea were the dominant destinations for China's in-shell hazelnut exports, jointly accounting for 81.5% of total export volumes. The remaining share was distributed among smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values of in-shell hazelnuts from China experienced significant volatility during these years. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 325 thousand US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 303.5% occurring that year. In 2020, export values fell to 41 thousand US dollars, representing an 87.2% decrease compared to 2019, and the ratio between the highest and lowest values reached 7.8 times.

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

During 2017–2020, Hong Kong and Kyrgyzstan were the primary buyers of in-shell hazelnuts from China in value terms, together accounting for 85.3% of total export value. Other trading partners represented a smaller portion of the market.

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

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

Imports in-shell hazelnuts to China

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes of in-shell hazelnuts to China displayed considerable volatility during this period. The minimum volume was recorded in 2017, while imports peaked in 2019 at 16 954 tonnes, with the largest annual increase of 495.3% occurring in 2018. In 2020, imports fell to 8 214 tonnes, a sharp 51.6% decrease compared to 2019, and the ratio between the highest and lowest volumes reached 18 times.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the import market for in-shell hazelnuts in China was highly concentrated, with the United States alone responsible for 94.6% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Import values of in-shell hazelnuts to China showed marked volatility over the observed period. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 44 114 thousand US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 308.1% occurring in 2018. In 2020, import values dropped to 22 144 thousand US dollars, representing a 49.8% decrease compared to the previous year, and the ratio between the highest and lowest values reached 14.7 times.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the United States played a dominant role in China's in-shell hazelnut imports in value terms, consistently accounting for 94.0% of total import flows.

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

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