In-shell walnuts market in Oceania

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2022, Australian in-shell walnut production increased from 11 667 t to 14 961 t, driven by growing consumer demand for healthy snacks and plant-based nutrition, which encouraged the expansion of orchards and the adoption of more productive lateral varieties imported from California. The industry benefited from the high quality and freshness of domestic nuts, limited pest pressures, and a competitive edge against lower-cost imports, supporting both local and export markets.

After a minor stabilization in 2020, production continued to rise in 2021 and 2022, peaking as large growers in Tasmania and New South Wales invested in local processing infrastructure such as hulling facilities. However, the industry faced constraints from labor availability for harvesting and processing. In 2023, output plummeted to 8 619 t due to low yields, which rapidly depleted available stocks and created a shortage in the domestic supply.

By 2024, the sector maintained a focus on sustainable agricultural practices, including efficient irrigation systems, and prioritized the production and marketing of raw in-shell walnuts with an emphasis on visual quality and size. Domestic consumption remained steady at an estimated 600–800 t per year, sustained by consumer awareness of the health benefits of walnuts.

Production in-shell walnuts in Oceania

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of in-shell walnuts, 2017-2020

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

After two consecutive years of growth, in-shell walnut production in Oceania declined. In 2020, production reached 12 480 tonnes, marking a slight decrease of 0.9% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 18.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.0%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 12 593 tonnes, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018 at 11.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Oceania in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports in-shell walnuts from Oceania

Exports in kind, t

Following a two-year decline, Oceania's in-shell walnut exports rebounded. In 2020, exports totaled 4 423 tonnes, reflecting a sharp increase of 35.5% compared to 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 33.1%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 12.6%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 3 266 tonnes, with the most significant drop occurring in 2018 at 46.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Germany, and Belgium consistently led as the top destinations for Oceania's in-shell walnut exports by volume. Italy accounted for 41.7% of exports, Germany for 12.2%, and Belgium for 12.1%. Together, these three countries represented 65.9% of total export flows during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of contraction, Oceania's in-shell walnut export value increased. In 2020, exports reached 11 739 thousand US dollars, showing a gain of 16.5% compared to the previous year. Despite this recent uptick, exports decreased by 22.5% over the 2017-2020 period, with an average annual decline of 8.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 10 080 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest year-on-year decline of 29.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Germany, and Belgium continued to be the leading buyers of in-shell walnuts from Oceania by value. Italy accounted for 43.2% of export value, Germany for 14.7%, and Belgium for 14.0%. Collectively, these three markets represented 72.0% of total export value during this timeframe.

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

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

Imports in-shell walnuts to Oceania

Imports in kind, t

The import market for in-shell walnuts in Oceania showed volatility during the observed period. In 2020, imports stood at 15 tonnes, representing a decrease of 47.6% compared to 2019. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 13 tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2019 at 28 tonnes, resulting in a 2.2-fold difference between these years. The most significant decline was in 2018 at 53.7%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 123.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Chile, and France were the primary sources for in-shell walnut imports into Oceania by volume. The United States accounted for 61.2% of imports, Chile for 15.2%, and France for 8.6%. Together, these three countries represented 85.1% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The import value for in-shell walnuts in Oceania exhibited an unstable trend throughout the period. In 2020, imports amounted to 64 thousand US dollars, marking a dramatic drop of 64.8% compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 63 thousand US dollars, while the peak was in 2019 at 182 thousand US dollars, showing a 2.9-fold variation. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 190.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States remained the dominant source for in-shell walnut imports into Oceania by value, accounting for 70.3% of total import value. The remaining volume was distributed among other countries.

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

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