In-shell walnuts market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

Romania's in-shell walnut production reached 54 000 tons in 2018, supported by the expansion of cultivated areas and the introduction of high-yielding grafted varieties like Chandler and Franquette, which feature thin shells and sweet kernels. Over the next two years, output declined to 48 350 tons in 2020, largely due to reduced demand caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The market rebounded in 2021 with production of 54 250 tons, fueled by the grafting of over 1 000 hectares of walnut orchards and rising consumer interest in certified organic nuts. Although output dipped slightly to 53 400 tons in 2022, the ongoing conversion to grafted trees and plans for a producers' association and processing investments laid the groundwork for further growth. By 2023, production climbed to 58 090 tons and market volume to 58 950 tons, reflecting the cumulative effect of area expansion and quality-focused initiatives.

In 2024, imports fell to 484 tons while exports rose to 397 tons, indicating a strengthening domestic supply chain and reduced reliance on foreign walnuts.

Production in-shell walnuts in Romania

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Romania was among the world's top producers of in-shell walnuts from 2017 to 2020, ranking 10th globally by production volume during this period.

Top producers of in-shell walnuts, 2017-2020

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

Romania's in-shell walnut production declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 48 350 tonnes, a slight drop of 2.5% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 5.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.8%. The highest production was recorded in 2018 at 54 000 tonnes, which marked a significant increase of 17.9% from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with an 8.2% decrease.

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

Exports in-shell walnuts from Romania

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2020, while the highest was in 2017, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 4.4 times. In 2020, Romania exported 79 tonnes of in-shell walnuts, representing a sharp decrease of 59.7% from 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, with a 2.4% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Italy, and Austria were the top buyers of in-shell walnuts from Romania. Turkey accounted for 53.6% of exports in kind, Italy for 15.5%, and Austria for 10.6%. Together, these three countries represented 79.7% of Romania's total in-shell walnut exports by volume.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Romania's in-shell walnut exports in value terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 105 thousand US dollars, an abrupt reduction of 42.3% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 83.8%, with an average annual decline of 45.5%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Turkey, Italy, and Austria formed the key group of partners for Romania's in-shell walnut exports in value terms. Turkey accounted for 46.7% of exports, Italy for 27.2%, and Austria for 11.5%. Collectively, these three countries represented 85.4% of total export value.

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

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

Imports in-shell walnuts to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Romania's in-shell walnut imports in volume declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports reached 715 tonnes, an abrupt decrease of 73.0% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 83.7%, with an average annual decline of 45.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, Bulgaria, and Poland were the principal sources for Romania's in-shell walnut imports by volume. Belgium accounted for 31.6% of imports, Bulgaria for 30.3%, and Poland for 12.4%. Together, these three countries made up 74.4% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Romania's in-shell walnut imports in value terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 1 590 thousand US dollars, marking a steep fall of 60.8% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 80.6%, with an average annual decline of 42.1%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Belgium, Bulgaria, and Chile played leading roles in Romania's in-shell walnut imports in value terms. Belgium accounted for 43.8% of imports, Bulgaria for 24.2%, and Chile for 8.6%. Collectively, these three countries represented 76.6% of total import value.

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

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