In-shell walnuts market in Iran

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the Iranian in-shell walnut market expanded steadily from 300.7 thousand tons to 384.8 thousand tons. Production increased each year, reaching 385.1 thousand tons in 2021. During this period, market dynamics were shaped by price competition from foreign walnuts, even though actual imports remained negligible, and by a strong emphasis on quality characteristics such as fat content, ease of shelling, and kernel color. Unprecedented heat in southern growing areas in 2020 affected nut quality and contributed to price increases, but did not halt the overall growth in output.

The market volume contracted to 354.7 thousand tons in 2022, primarily due to limited supply of fresh walnuts, particularly the seasonal green-skinned varieties. The following year saw a sharp rebound, with the market reaching 416.4 thousand tons in 2023. This surge was fueled by the arrival of 40.5 thousand tons of imported walnuts, as competition from foreign nuts intensified and domestic supply was partly constrained by drought conditions that also impacted kernel quality.

Production in-shell walnuts in Iran

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Iran was among the world's leading producers of in-shell walnuts from 2017 to 2020, ranking third globally by production volume during this period.

Top producers of in-shell walnuts, 2017-2020

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

In-shell walnut production in Iran increased for the second consecutive year in 2020, reaching 363.3 thousand tonnes, which represents a 13.2% rise compared to 2019. However, over the entire 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 7.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 304.0 thousand tonnes, which also marked the largest decline of 22.8% that year.

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

Exports in-shell walnuts from Iran

Exports in kind, t

The export market for in-shell walnuts from Iran showed significant volatility from 2017 to 2020. Exports peaked in 2018 at 3 355 tonnes and reached their lowest point in 2020 at 227 tonnes, representing a 14.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports were 51.6% lower than in 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with an 86.0% drop, while the most substantial increase was recorded in 2018 with growth of 1 020.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey was the primary market for Iranian in-shell walnut exports, accounting for 76.0% of total export volume. Other destinations collectively represented a smaller portion of exports during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values for in-shell walnuts from Iran showed irregular changes from 2017 to 2020, indicating a volatile market environment. The highest export value was recorded in 2018 at 5 147 thousand US dollars, while the lowest was in 2017, creating a 13.6-fold gap between these years. In 2020, export value reached 1 031 thousand US dollars, representing a 41.1% increase compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with an 85.8% drop, while the most significant increase was in 2018 with growth of 1 255.7%.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, Turkey remained the main destination for Iranian in-shell walnut exports in value terms, accounting for 72.8% of total export revenue. The remaining share was distributed among various smaller markets.

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

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

Imports in-shell walnuts to Iran

Industry analysis indicates that Iran did not import any in-shell walnuts from 2017 to 2020.