In-shell walnuts market in Mexico

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, Mexico's in-shell walnut production remained robust, fueled by strong international demand—particularly from Asia—and the expansion of walnut orchards in states like Chihuahua. The U.S.-China trade war in 2018 altered global price dynamics, but record harvests and improved agricultural techniques, such as the use of maturation enhancers, supported output. Production reached 171.4 thousand tons in 2019, though a surge in exports that year reduced domestic market volume to 142.9 thousand tons.

After a dip to 135.9 thousand tons in 2021, production rebounded sharply to 177.6 thousand tons in 2022, aided by ongoing innovations and sustained export opportunities. The market volume peaked at 195.7 thousand tons in 2022, before moderating to 168.4 thousand tons in 2023. Regulatory developments, including the NOM-173-SE-2021 standard for beverages containing plant-based ingredients, introduced new labeling rules that may influence walnut-derived products.

Throughout the period, the industry benefited from the strategic activities of the Mexican Walnut Council (Consejo Mexicano de la Nuez), which provided market analysis and promotion. However, environmental concerns over water usage and shell waste management persisted, highlighting the sector's sustainability challenges.

Production in-shell walnuts in Mexico

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Mexico ranked sixth 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

Mexico's in-shell walnut production fell for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 135.9 thousand tonnes, a 17.4% drop from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production declined by 14.8%, with an average annual decrease of 5.2%. The highest output was in 2019 at 171.4 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 7.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Mexico in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports in-shell walnuts from Mexico

Exports in kind, t

Mexico's in-shell walnut exports decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 15 336 tonnes, down 62.2% from the year before. Between 2018 and 2021, exports fell by 67.7%, averaging a 31.4% annual decline. The peak was in 2019 at 78 212 tonnes, which also recorded the biggest annual increase of 64.6%.

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

During 2018-2021, the United States and China were the key markets for Mexico's in-shell walnut exports, together accounting for 99.1% of the total volume, while other destinations made up the remainder.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Mexico's in-shell walnut exports declined in value for the second straight year. In 2021, exports were worth 71.3 million US dollars, a sharp 43.0% decrease from 2020. From 2018 to 2021, export value dropped by 60%, with an average annual fall of 26.3%. The highest value was in 2019 at 235.9 million US dollars, which saw the largest annual increase of 32.1%, while 2020 had the biggest decline of 47.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United States and China dominated Mexico's in-shell walnut exports in value, together making up 99.1% of the total, with other partners playing a minor role.

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

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

Imports in-shell walnuts to Mexico

Imports in kind, t

Mexico's in-shell walnut imports fell to 31 217 tonnes in 2021, a 39.0% year-on-year contraction. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 37.8%, with an average annual decline of 14.6%. The highest volume was in 2020 at 51 163 tonnes, which also had the largest annual increase of 2.8%.

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

In the 2018-2021 period, Mexico's in-shell walnut imports were highly concentrated, with the United States supplying 100.0% of the total volume.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Mexico imported 105.1 million US dollars worth of in-shell walnuts in 2021, marking a sharp 30.5% year-on-year fall. From 2018 to 2021, import value dropped by 43.3%, averaging a 17.2% annual decrease. The largest annual increase was in 2020 at 6.7%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Mexico's in-shell walnut imports in value were almost entirely sourced from the United States, which held a 100.0% share.

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

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