In-shell walnuts market in India

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the in-shell walnut market in India remained relatively stable, with volume hovering around 310 thousand tons. Growing consumer health consciousness and rising disposable incomes supported demand during this period. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further heightened awareness of walnuts' health benefits, and the expansion of e-commerce channels helped sustain market activity despite a slight dip in total volume.

Market volume began to rise from 2021 onward, reaching 373 thousand tons in 2023. This growth was fueled by shifting consumer preferences toward plant-based diets and healthy snacking. A key driver in 2023 was India's emergence as the largest export market for Chilean in-shell walnuts, with imports from Chile jumping 108% year-on-year, significantly expanding supply. Meanwhile, domestic walnut growers in Kashmir faced increased competition from imports and challenges in mechanization.

Production in-shell walnuts in India

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, India held the fourth position globally in the production of in-shell walnuts.

Top producers of in-shell walnuts, 2017-2020

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

India's production of in-shell walnuts declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 286.4 thousand tons, marking a modest decrease of 4.3% compared to 2019. The highest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 299.7 thousand tons, which also saw the largest increase of 4.3%.

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

Exports in-shell walnuts from India

Exports in kind, t

The market showed significant fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2020 at 73 tons, representing a dramatic drop of 56.6% from the previous year. In contrast, the highest export volume was recorded in 2017, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 9.9 times between these years. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 84.3%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 48.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Arab Emirates and Nepal were the dominant destinations for India's in-shell walnut exports in kind, together accounting for 81.5% of total flows. Other markets contributed smaller individual shares.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values experienced notable fluctuations over the period. In 2020, exports amounted to 233 thousand US dollars, a decrease of 42.8% compared to the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2017, with exports varying by a multiple of 8.6 from this peak to the 2020 low. The largest decline was in 2018 at 84.5%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 31.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates, Nepal, and Asia (not elsewhere specified) consistently led in the country structure of India's in-shell walnut exports by value. The United Arab Emirates accounted for 59.8% of exports, Nepal for 19.8%, and Asia for 5.7%, together making up 85.2% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in-shell walnuts to India

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, India's imports of in-shell walnuts increased in 2020, totaling 23 045 tons, a gain of 53.9% from the previous year. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 14 973 tons. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 7.2%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 2.4%. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 29.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States and Chile were the primary sources for India's in-shell walnut imports in kind, jointly absorbing 86.8% of total volume. The remaining imports were distributed across smaller markets.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year reduction, India's imports of in-shell walnuts increased in value in 2020, reaching 57 012 thousand US dollars, up by 49.3% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 38 176 thousand US dollars. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 5.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.8%. The largest decline was in 2018 at 29.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Chile dominated India's in-shell walnut imports by value, jointly accounting for 87.6% of total flows. The rest of the imports were split among smaller markets.

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

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