In-shell walnuts market in Afghanistan

Earlier Report Observations

The market for in-shell walnuts in Afghanistan showed strong expansion from 10 658 t in 2018 to 26 918 t in 2023, more than doubling in volume over the six-year period. This growth was highlighted by a sharp 59% surge in 2021, which lifted the market to 23 431 t after earlier years of more moderate increases.

Following the 2021 peak, market volume contracted by 17% in 2022 to 19 431 t, but it rebounded decisively in 2023 with a 39% rise to set a new record of 26 918 t. The overall trajectory points to significant market growth despite intermediate volatility.

Production in-shell walnuts in Afghanistan

In kind, 2017-2020, t

On a global scale, Afghanistan ranked as the 21st largest producer of in-shell walnuts between 2017 and 2020.

Top producers of in-shell walnuts, 2017-2020

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

In-shell walnut production in Afghanistan grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 14 877 tonnes of in-shell walnuts, marking a 1.3% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production surged by 108.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 27.7%.

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

Exports in-shell walnuts from Afghanistan

Exports in kind, t

The market for in-shell walnut exports from Afghanistan experienced significant fluctuations during this period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, showing a 4.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Afghanistan exported 423.7 tonnes of in-shell walnuts, a decrease of 41.5% compared to the previous year. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 724.4 tonnes, with the largest year-on-year increase of 172.2% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Pakistan, India, and the United Arab Emirates were the leading destinations for Afghanistan's in-shell walnut exports by volume. Pakistan accounted for 40.0% of exports, India for 37.8%, and the United Arab Emirates for 13.6%. Together, these three countries represented 91.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market for in-shell walnuts from Afghanistan in value terms was marked by volatility during these years. The lowest value was recorded in 2017, while the highest was in 2019, with a 4.9-fold difference between them. In 2020, Afghanistan's in-shell walnut exports were valued at 1 435 thousand US dollars, down 13.2% from the previous year. The peak value occurred in 2019 at 1 653 thousand US dollars, accompanied by the largest year-on-year increase of 134.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, India, China, and Pakistan were the top contributors to Afghanistan's in-shell walnut exports by value. India led with 45.4% of exports, followed by China at 20.9%, and Pakistan at 18.9%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 85.2% of total export value.

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

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

Imports in-shell walnuts to Afghanistan

Imports in kind, t

Afghanistan's imports of in-shell walnuts showed notable fluctuations during this period. Import volumes were at their lowest in 2019 and reached their highest in 2020, with an 8.2-fold increase between these years. In 2020, Afghanistan imported 249.5 tonnes of in-shell walnuts, a dramatic rise of 721.7% compared to 2019. The minimum volume was recorded in 2019 at 30.4 tonnes, which also saw the largest year-on-year decline of 74.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States were the primary sources for Afghanistan's in-shell walnut imports by volume. China accounted for 30.5% of imports, the United Arab Emirates for 30.2%, and the United States for 29.9%. Together, these three countries made up 90.6% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The import market for in-shell walnuts in Afghanistan in value terms was characterized by high volatility. The lowest value was in 2019, while the highest was in 2020, with an 11.2-fold difference. In 2020, Afghanistan imported in-shell walnuts worth 593 thousand US dollars, a sharp increase of 1,024.3% from the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 53 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest year-on-year decline of 77.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States dominated Afghanistan's in-shell walnut imports by value. China led with 37.5% of imports, followed by the United Arab Emirates at 32.2%, and the United States at 27.0%. These three countries together represented 96.7% of total import value.

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

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