In-shell walnuts market in Australia

Earlier Report Observations

The Australian in-shell walnut market volume showed overall growth from 7 276 tons in 2018 to 9 640 tons in 2022, despite a decline to 7 366 tons in 2020. This expansion was underpinned by ongoing orchard development as new plantings matured, alongside rising demand for plant-based proteins and health-focused snacks. The 2022 opening of a modern walnut processing facility in Victoria boosted production capabilities, while free trade agreements with countries like South Korea and Japan enhanced export opportunities.

In 2023, market volume dropped sharply to 7 538 tons after severe spring weather in 2022 caused waterlogging and blight, damaging the harvest. Consumer appetite for fresh Australian walnuts remained strong, leading to quick sell-outs of in-shell nuts, with quality control measures prioritizing larger, unblemished specimens for the in-shell segment.

Production in-shell walnuts in Australia

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, Australia ranked 24th globally in the production of in-shell walnuts.

Top producers of in-shell walnuts, 2018-2021

World map of production of in-shell walnuts, 2018-2021

In 2021, Australia produced 13 658 tonnes of in-shell walnuts, representing a solid 15.9% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production grew by 26.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.1%. The only decline occurred in 2020, when production fell by 1.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Australia in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Following a two-year decline, Australia's in-shell walnut production rebounded in value terms. In 2021, the output was valued at 34 326 thousand US dollars, marking a 9.8% increase from the previous year. However, over the 2018-2021 period, production value decreased by 21.1%, with an average annual decline of 7.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 31 262 thousand US dollars, while the largest drop occurred in 2019 with a 15.6% decrease.

Annual dynamics of production in Australia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports in-shell walnuts from Australia

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, Australia exported 4 334 tonnes of in-shell walnuts, a slight decrease of 2.0% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports overall increased by 21.7%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 6.8%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 3 262 tonnes, while the peak was in 2020 at 4 423 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with an 8.4% drop, whereas the most significant increase was in 2020 with a 35.6% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Italy, Turkey, and Belgium were the leading destinations for Australia's in-shell walnut exports in volume terms. Italy accounted for 37.1% of exports, Turkey for 17.8%, and Belgium for 17.1%. Together, these three countries represented 72.1% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Australia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Australia's in-shell walnut exports were valued at 10 891 thousand US dollars, a 7.2% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value declined by 23.9%, with an average annual decrease of 8.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 10 079 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 29.6% drop, while the most notable increase was in 2020 with a 16.5% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018-2021, Italy, Belgium, and Germany remained the key markets for Australia's in-shell walnut exports in value terms. Italy held 41.5% of export value, Belgium 17.8%, and Germany 16.7%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 76.0% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Australia in value, 2018-2021

Imports in-shell walnuts to Australia

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Australia imported 15 tonnes of in-shell walnuts, a sharp 53.0% increase from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 51.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 14.9%. The lowest import volume was in 2020 at 10 tonnes, while the peak was in 2019 at 17 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2020 with a 40.5% drop, and the most significant increase was in 2019 with a 66.7% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the United States and Chile dominated Australia's in-shell walnut imports in volume terms, together accounting for 86.7% of total flows. Other countries contributed smaller individual shares.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Australia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import values reached their peak in 2019 and fell to their lowest point in 2020, with a 2.8-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Australia's in-shell walnut imports were valued at 58 thousand US dollars, an 83.3% increase from 2020. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 32 thousand US dollars, while the maximum was in 2019 at 90 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2020 with a 64.9% drop, and the largest increase was in 2019 with a 117.5% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, the United States and Chile together accounted for 86.7% of Australia's in-shell walnut imports in value terms. Other countries formed a diversified but less significant portion of the import structure.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Australia in value, 2018-2021