In-shell walnuts market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

The market for in-shell walnuts in the MENA region expanded from 405 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 587 thousand tonnes in 2023, marking a 45% increase overall. Growth was particularly strong in 2020 and 2021, followed by a modest contraction in 2022 before a sharp rebound in 2023.

In 2024, import volumes fell to 158 thousand tonnes while exports dropped to 5.6 thousand tonnes. This shift coincided with a 30% decline in U.S. walnut production due to adverse weather, tightening global supply, and ongoing tariff disputes affecting trade flows. Additionally, consumer preferences in the Middle East showed a growing inclination towards shelled walnut kernels, potentially reducing demand for in-shell varieties.

Production in-shell walnuts in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of in-shell walnuts, 2017-2020

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

MENA's in-shell walnut production grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 414.8 thousand tonnes of in-shell walnuts, which represents a 12.1% increase from the previous year. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production actually declined by 7.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 357.1 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 20.4% that year.

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

Exports in-shell walnuts from MENA

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited significant volatility during the observed period. In 2018, exports reached their lowest point at 5,834 tonnes, while in 2019 they peaked at 53,029 tonnes, resulting in a 9.1-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, in-shell walnut deliveries from MENA were recorded at 29,191 tonnes, marking a sharp decrease of 45.0% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a drop of 72.5%, whereas the largest increase was in 2019 with a surge of 808.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, in-shell walnuts from MENA were exported to a diverse range of markets. India accounted for 7.4% of exports in volume, Turkey for 4.5%, and Pakistan for 2.0%. Together, these three countries represented only 13.8% of total exports in kind, with the remaining 86.2% going to numerous smaller destinations.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After two consecutive years of growth, MENA's in-shell walnut export value declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 88.5 million US dollars, reflecting a significant loss of 44.2% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 16%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 5.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 158.4 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 64.1% that year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, India, Turkey, and Pakistan formed the core group of markets for in-shell walnut exports in value terms. India accounted for 6.6% of exports, Turkey for 2.8%, and Pakistan for 1.6%. Collectively, these three countries represented 11.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports in-shell walnuts to MENA

Imports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 2.3-fold gap between these years. In 2020, foreign in-shell walnut supplies to MENA stood at 82,399 tonnes, reflecting a substantial drop of 18.4% year-on-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 100,936 tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 87.7% that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Chile, and Turkey remained the key partners for in-shell walnut imports in volume. The United States accounted for 43.4% of imports, Chile for 22.0%, and Turkey for 13.9%. Together, these three countries represented 79.4% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year increase, cross-border shipments of in-shell walnuts to MENA declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 220.3 million US dollars, marking a significant decline of 12.9% relative to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 50.7%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 14.7%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 253.1 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 45.8% that year.

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

In the period from 2017 to 2020, the United States, Chile, and Turkey formed the main cluster of markets for in-shell walnut imports in value terms. The United States accounted for 43.7% of imports, Chile for 24.1%, and Turkey for 14.7%. Combined, these three countries represented 82.4% of total import flows.

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

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