In-shell walnuts market in North Macedonia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market volume for in-shell walnuts in North Macedonia increased from 4 966 t to 5 417 t. This growth was supported by the adoption of grafted walnut seedlings, which start bearing fruit in the second or third year and deliver higher yields compared to traditional seedlings. Additionally, the 2019 national strategy facilitated access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises, supporting walnut growers and processors.

After the 2020 peak, production and market volume fell to 4 667 t in 2021, then jumped to 6 128 t in 2022, before declining again to 4 239 t in 2023. In 2021, a new law on packaging and packaging waste management came into effect, setting national collection targets and influencing packaging and labeling requirements for walnuts.

In 2024, the packaging waste law continued to be enforced with raised targets. Moreover, the opening of a new logistics center in Skopje by Quehenberger Logistics enhanced distribution capacity, and the Hungarian 4iG Group began preparations to enter the Macedonian market, signaling growing interest in the agri-food sector.

Production in-shell walnuts in North Macedonia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of in-shell walnuts, 2017-2020

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

North Macedonia's in-shell walnut production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 5 387 tonnes of in-shell walnuts, marking a moderate increase of 7.4% compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production surged by 130.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 32.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in North Macedonia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports in-shell walnuts from North Macedonia

Exports in kind, t

The market performance showed significant fluctuations during this period. Exports hit their lowest point in 2018 at 2.3 tonnes, before peaking in 2017 with a 10.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, North Macedonia exported 20.0 tonnes of in-shell walnuts, representing a sharp increase of 116.7% from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, dropping by 90.4%, while the most substantial growth was recorded in 2019, with a 304.8% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Serbia and Albania were the primary buyers of in-shell walnuts from North Macedonia, together accounting for 56.6% of total exports in volume.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited notable volatility over this timeframe. Export values reached their minimum in 2018 at 3.1 thousand US dollars, then climbed to a peak in 2020, showing a 15-fold increase between these years. In 2020, in-shell walnut exports from North Macedonia amounted to 46.4 thousand US dollars, up 124.8% compared to 2019. The largest decline was in 2018, falling by 87.3%, while the biggest increase occurred in 2019, surging by 568.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Serbia and Albania remained the key destinations for exports in value terms, making up 73.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports in-shell walnuts to North Macedonia

Imports in kind, t

The data indicates irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Import levels dropped to their lowest in 2020, after reaching a high in 2017, with a 6.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, cross-border shipments of in-shell walnuts into North Macedonia totaled 49.8 tonnes, reflecting a contraction of 72.5% year-over-year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, rising by 26.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Moldova consistently led as the top sources for imports in volume. Ukraine accounted for 41.2% of imports, Bulgaria for 33.6%, and Moldova for 18.3%, together comprising 93.2% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market displayed signs of volatility throughout the observed period. Import values fell to their minimum in 2020, following a peak in 2017, with a 6.5-fold shift between these years. In 2020, in-shell walnut imports into North Macedonia reached 53.4 thousand US dollars, which is 73.7% lower than in 2019. The largest increase was in 2019, growing by 39.7%.

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

Over the 2017–2020 period, Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Moldova were the main suppliers of in-shell walnuts to North Macedonia in value terms. Ukraine contributed 39.8% of imports, Bulgaria 32.0%, and Moldova 22.4%, collectively accounting for 94.2% of total import value.

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

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