In-shell walnuts market in Northern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the in-shell walnut market volume in Northern Africa expanded strongly, rising from 48 988 t to 75 484 t. This growth was driven by increasing global consumer preference for nutritious nuts, which boosted demand, and was supported by rising world nut production that improved supply availability. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted distribution channels but did not reverse the upward trend, as imports into the region continued to climb.

Market volume contracted to 68 893 t in 2022, primarily due to a sharp drop in domestic production, which fell by over 12 000 t from the previous year. This period coincided with an exceptional walnut harvest in France that saturated European markets and influenced global trade conditions. In 2023, the market recovered to 74 998 t as French production decreased after the previous surplus, while imports into Northern Africa reached a new high of 41 543 t, sustaining overall market size.

The European Union's introduction of a sustainability policy for nuts in 2020 and ongoing efforts to structure walnut sectors in key producing countries like France contributed to evolving supply dynamics throughout the period. Steady import growth, from 12 751 t in 2018 to 41 543 t in 2023, underscored persistent regional demand for in-shell walnuts.

Production in-shell walnuts in Northern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of in-shell walnuts, 2017-2020

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

After a two-year decline, Northern Africa's in-shell walnut production volume increased. In 2020, the region produced 35 631 tons of in-shell walnuts, representing a 6.1% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 2.3%, which translates to an average annual decline of 0.8%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 33 598 tons, with the largest year-over-year decline of 7.3% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports in-shell walnuts from Northern Africa

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited significant volatility during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, showing a 398-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Northern Africa's cross-border shipments of in-shell walnuts amounted to 32 tons, marking a dramatic 5 466.8% increase compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 35.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Chile and France dominated Northern Africa's in-shell walnut exports in volume terms, together accounting for 95.4% of total flows, while other destinations contributed smaller individual shares.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Exports reached their lowest value in 2017 and their highest in 2020, with a 211-fold gap between these years. In 2020, Northern Africa's in-shell walnut exports amounted to 57 thousand US dollars, representing a 1 882.0% increase compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 18.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Chile and France were the dominant destinations for Northern Africa's in-shell walnut exports in value terms, jointly accounting for 88.9% of total flows, with the remaining share distributed among other markets.

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

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

Imports in-shell walnuts to Northern Africa

Imports in kind, t

Northern Africa's in-shell walnut import volumes increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume totaled 23 981 tons, up by 21.0% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 259%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 53.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (43.5% of imports in volume terms), Chile (31.5%), and China (13.6%) formed the main cluster of markets for Northern Africa's in-shell walnut imports, with their combined share reaching 88.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Northern Africa's in-shell walnut imports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import value reached 65 546 thousand US dollars, showing a solid 24.4% increase year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 205.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 45.0%.

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

Over the 2017–2020 period, the United States (42.2% of imports in value terms), Chile (33.8%), and China (13.5%) led the ranking of suppliers of in-shell walnuts to Northern Africa, with their combined share accounting for 89.5% of total import value.

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

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