In-shell hazelnuts market in Western Asia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2022, the in-shell hazelnuts market in Western Asia expanded from 583 thousand tons to a peak of 862.6 thousand tons. This growth was primarily driven by two key developments: the increase in processing capacity through new cracking and roasting facilities in 2019, which boosted production, and the introduction of a licensed warehousing system coupled with state-guaranteed purchase prices by the Toprak Mahsulleri Ofisi (TMO) in 2022, which stabilized supply and encouraged higher output.

The market experienced a contraction in 2020, with volume falling to 743.8 thousand tons, partly due to the implementation of stricter HACCP-based quality control systems that may have reduced available quantities. After recovering to 862.6 thousand tons in 2022, the volume dropped again to 758 thousand tons in 2023.

Throughout the period, state-backed entities like Fiskobirlik continued to play a significant role in the sector, while the industry's shift towards value-added processed products from 2021 onward supported demand for raw in-shell hazelnuts. Regulatory measures such as the licensed storage system and quality standards shaped market dynamics, contributing to both growth phases and adjustments.

Production in-shell hazelnuts in Western Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of in-shell hazelnuts, 2017-2020

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

In Western Asia, production of in-shell hazelnuts reached its peak in 2019 at 854.3 thousand tonnes, but then declined by 12.5% to 747.6 thousand tonnes in 2020. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 584.4 thousand tonnes. Production saw its sharpest decline in 2018, falling by 21.3%, while the most significant increase occurred in 2019 with a 46.2% rise.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of in-shell hazelnut production in Western Asia peaked in 2019 at 2 552 million US dollars, before dropping by 12.0% to 2 246 million US dollars in 2020. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 716 million US dollars. From 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 10.7%, representing an average annual decline of 3.7%. The most substantial decrease happened in 2018 with a 31.7% drop, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 48.7% rise.

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

Exports in-shell hazelnuts from Western Asia

Exports in kind, t

Exports of in-shell hazelnuts from Western Asia have been growing for three consecutive years. In 2020, exports reached 4 748 tonnes, marking a 23.7% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 185.7%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 41.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Russia, and China were the largest importers of in-shell hazelnuts from Western Asia in volume terms. Italy accounted for 26.9% of exports, Russia for 14.4%, and China for 11.2%. Together, these three countries represented 52.5% of total export volumes.

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, K $ US

The value of in-shell hazelnut exports from Western Asia has increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, export value reached 14 263 thousand US dollars, showing a substantial 24.4% growth compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 153.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 36.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Italy, Russia, and China were the main destinations for in-shell hazelnut exports from Western Asia in value terms. Italy represented 27.1% of export value, Russia 12.6%, and China 11.4%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 51.0% of total export value.

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 in-shell hazelnuts to Western Asia

Imports in kind, t

After declining for two years, imports of in-shell hazelnuts to Western Asia rebounded in 2020, reaching 1 010 tonnes. This represents a significant 63.8% increase compared to 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 9.4%, with an average annual decline of 3.2%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 616 tonnes, which marked a 30.1% decrease from the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the import structure for in-shell hazelnuts in Western Asia was highly diversified. The United States accounted for 2.8% of import volume, Vietnam for 2.5%, and Greece for 1.9%. Together, these three countries represented just 7.2% of total imports, while the remaining 92.8% was distributed among numerous smaller markets.

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, K $ US

In 2020, the value of in-shell hazelnut imports to Western Asia reached 4 848 thousand US dollars, representing a 16.7% decline compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value decreased by 10.2%, with an average annual decline of 3.5%. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 5 818 thousand US dollars, which marked a 12.8% increase from the previous year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the geographical structure of in-shell hazelnut imports to Western Asia in value terms was highly diversified. The United States accounted for 4.2% of import value, Greece for 3.4%, and Vietnam for 1.7%. Together, these three countries represented only 9.2% of total import value, while the remaining 90.8% was distributed among numerous smaller trading partners.

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

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