In-shell walnuts market Ukraine

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the Ukrainian in-shell walnut market volume declined from 117.5 thousand tons to 97.6 thousand tons, with intermittent fluctuations. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted global logistics, reducing export shipments and temporarily increasing domestic availability. Concurrently, rising competition from Chinese walnuts in international markets placed sustained pressure on Ukrainian exports throughout the period.

Domestic policy developments further shaped the market. Preparatory steps toward stricter export controls and minimum export prices, emerging in 2022, introduced uncertainty for exporters. Offsetting some of the downward pressure, growing internal demand for walnuts and the expansion of processing applications—such as using shells for activated carbon and abrasive materials—provided underlying support to market volume.

Structural impediments, including the lack of a transparent mechanism to legalize nut purchases from private plots, persisted across the years, constraining investment. At the same time, new demand segments gained traction, notably for green walnuts used in medicinal tinctures and dietary supplements, diversifying consumption patterns.

Production in-shell walnuts Ukraine

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Ukraine was among the world's top producers of in-shell walnuts from 2017 to 2020, ranking ninth globally by production volume.

Top producers of in-shell walnuts, 2017-2020

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

Ukraine's in-shell walnut production declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 113.3 thousand tons, marking a moderate decrease of 10.0% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 4.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.4%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 127.2 thousand tons, which also saw the largest annual increase of 17.1%.

Annual dynamics of production Ukraine in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Ukraine's in-shell walnut production value also fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 99.0 million US dollars, showing a modest contraction of 4.0% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, the production value decreased by 5.9%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 2.0%. The peak value occurred in 2018 at 114.7 million US dollars, while 2019 experienced the largest drop of 10.1%. The largest increase was in 2018, with a 9.0% rise.

Annual dynamics of production Ukraine in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports in-shell walnuts to Ukraine

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Ukraine's in-shell walnut exports varied significantly, with a 5.8-fold difference between the minimum in 2017 and the maximum in 2019. In 2020, exports totaled 10 357 tons, indicating a sharp drop of 62.0% compared to the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 27 269 tons, which also saw the largest increase of 177.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports to Ukraine in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Iraq, and Azerbaijan were the largest buyers of in-shell walnuts from Ukraine in terms of volume. Turkey accounted for 62.8% of exports, Iraq for 13.5%, and Azerbaijan for 10.6%, together making up 86.9% of total exports.

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

World map of product's exports to Ukraine in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Market behavior during these years was characterized by volatility. Export values fluctuated widely, with a 4.9-fold gap between the low in 2017 and the high in 2019. In 2020, Ukraine's in-shell walnut exports amounted to 9 052 thousand US dollars, representing a fall of 59.5% relative to the prior year. The maximum value was reached in 2019 at 22 353 thousand US dollars, which also recorded the largest increase of 152.5%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Turkey, Iraq, and Azerbaijan remained the key partners for Ukraine's in-shell walnut exports in value terms. Turkey held 61.0% of exports, Iraq 12.0%, and Azerbaijan 10.9%, together accounting for 83.9% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports to Ukraine in value, 2017-2020

Imports in-shell walnuts in Ukraine

Imports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import volumes peaked in 2017 and declined to their lowest level in 2020, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 2 461 times. In 2020, Ukraine received 0.1 tons of in-shell walnuts, amounting to a steep decrease of 99.9% versus the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 19.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports of in-shell walnuts to Ukraine in kind were almost entirely concentrated in Chile, which accounted for 94.6% of the total.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during the period. The highest import value was reached in 2017, with the lowest in 2020, reflecting a 304-fold gap. In 2020, Ukraine imported approximately 1 thousand US dollars of in-shell walnuts, representing a sharp decline of 99.2% year-over-year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 4.4%.

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

Over 2017-2020, Chile was the key and almost sole market for imports of in-shell walnuts to Ukraine in value terms, accounting for 93.2% of total flows.

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

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