In-shell walnuts market in Eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The in-shell walnut market in Eastern Asia expanded in volume from 837 thousand tons in 2018 to 1,203 thousand tons in 2023. The initial growth through 2020 was primarily driven by increasing consumer demand for healthier snack foods, which stimulated the expansion of domestic walnut production across key growing regions. Concurrently, U.S.-China trade frictions led to a 50% tariff on American walnuts, enhancing the competitiveness of local nuts and encouraging a shift in supply sources, which supported overall market volume growth.

Following a minor dip in 2021, the market volume continued its upward trend. This recovery and subsequent growth were bolstered by significant developments in market infrastructure, such as the establishment of dedicated walnut trading markets in Xinjiang which improved farmer access to sales channels. The industry also saw innovation, with companies in Gansu and Xinjiang developing new value-added products like walnut oil and protein powder, helping to sustain and diversify consumption.

Production in-shell walnuts in Eastern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of in-shell walnuts, 2017-2020

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

In-shell walnut production in Eastern Asia has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 1 101 K t of in-shell walnuts, marking a modest 10.0% increase over the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 10%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 851 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 15.0%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase of 17.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the output value of in-shell walnuts in Eastern Asia was 2 581 M $ US, showing a significant decline of 13.0% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value decreased by 26.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -9.9%. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 18.8%, while 2019 saw the largest increase of 3.7%.

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

Exports in-shell walnuts from Eastern Asia

Exports in kind, t

The market showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 4.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Eastern Asia exported 72 874 t of in-shell walnuts, reflecting a limited contraction of 3.3% compared to 2019. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 75 344 t, which also saw the largest increase of 262.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Kyrgyzstan (33.3% of exports in kind), Pakistan (19.7% of exports in kind), and Turkey (12.5% of exports in kind) were the main markets for in-shell walnut exports from Eastern Asia, collectively accounting for 65.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The market exhibited volatility over the observed period. Exports fell to their lowest point in 2017 and reached their peak in 2019, with a 4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, in-shell walnut exports from Eastern Asia totaled 170.8 M $ US, reflecting a substantial year-over-year decline of 23.5%. The maximum export value was recorded in 2019 at 223.2 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 219.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Kyrgyzstan (35.3% of exports in value terms), Pakistan (23.2% of exports in value terms), and Turkey (9.9% of exports in value terms) led the ranking of buyers for in-shell walnuts from Eastern Asia, with their combined share reaching 68.4% of total export value.

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

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

Imports in-shell walnuts to Eastern Asia

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year contraction, imported in-shell walnut volumes in Eastern Asia increased. In 2020, imports totaled 6 206 t, indicating a 15.4% rise compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 58.7%, equating to an annualized rate of -25.5%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 5 377 t, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 54.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Chile remained the primary sources for imports in kind, jointly accounting for 95.9% of total import flows, with other partners making up the remainder.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, Eastern Asia's in-shell walnut import volume increased. In 2020, imports stood at 17.8 M $ US, corresponding to a robust gain of 19.3% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 60.7%, equating to an annualized rate of -26.8%. The minimum import value was recorded in 2019 at 14.9 M $ US, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 56.0%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, the United States and Chile clearly dominated the partner structure for imports in value terms, with other countries collectively forming the remaining share.

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

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