In-shell hazelnuts market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the in-shell hazelnut market volume in MENA fluctuated, reaching 16 188 t in 2019 before easing to 15 557 t in 2020. Turkey's role as the dominant regional producer and consumer continued to shape supply and pricing dynamics throughout this period.

Market volume saw a modest recovery to 15 762 t in 2021, then contracted to 15 000 t in 2022. By 2023, consumption stabilized near 14 928 t, while shelled hazelnut demand in the region peaked, indicating robust overall interest in hazelnut products.

Supply constraints emerged as a key factor by 2024, with production challenges in Turkey—including adverse climate conditions and pest issues—reducing availability and contributing to higher import prices for in-shell hazelnuts across MENA.

Production in-shell hazelnuts in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of in-shell hazelnuts, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, MENA produced 14 119 tonnes of in-shell hazelnuts, marking a 1.8% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 10%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 3.2%. The most significant production decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 0.8%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018, at 8.9%.

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

Exports in-shell hazelnuts from MENA

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports peaked in 2018 at 267 tonnes and reached their lowest point in 2019 at 107 tonnes, resulting in a 2.5-fold difference between these years. In 2020, MENA exported 196 tonnes of in-shell hazelnuts, representing a sharp year-over-year increase of 83.7%. The largest decline in exports was recorded in 2019, at 60.1%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 93.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the buyer portfolio for in-shell hazelnuts from MENA was diverse. Afghanistan accounted for 29.1% of exports in kind, Turkey for 7.6%, and India for 3.7%, collectively contributing 40.3% of total exports. Many other countries held smaller but notable shares in the export structure.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In-shell hazelnuts exports from MENA increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 1 277 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 22.7% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 73.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 20.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the partner structure for exports in value terms was balanced rather than concentrated. Afghanistan represented 20.1% of exports in value, India 7.5%, and Turkey 6.2%, together accounting for 33.8% of total flows. The remaining 66.2% was distributed among many other countries.

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

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

Imports in-shell hazelnuts to MENA

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, MENA imported approximately 1 634 tonnes of in-shell hazelnuts, which is 32.5% less than in 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 15.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.6%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 421 tonnes, with the largest increase of 32.1% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey was the largest supplier of in-shell hazelnuts to MENA, accounting for 57.2% of imports in kind, followed by the United States at 18.5% and Georgia at 16.5%. Together, these three countries formed 92.2% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, MENA's imports of in-shell hazelnuts totaled 6 981 thousand US dollars, showing a 10.2% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports declined by 2.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -0.9%. The lowest import value was recorded in 2018 at 6 179 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 7 771 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 13.9%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 25.8%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Turkey remained the primary market for imports in value terms, accounting for 59.7% of in-shell hazelnuts imports to MENA, with the United States at 18.5% and Georgia at 12.0%. These three countries jointly represented 90.2% of total import flows.

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

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