Shelled almonds market in Western Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The shelled almond market in Western Asia experienced substantial growth from 131,000 tons in 2018 to 195,000 tons in 2020. A key driver in 2019 was the trade friction between the United States and China, which redirected global almond flows and boosted import volumes into the region. Agricultural development support in neighboring areas also provided a foundation for market expansion.

After a brief stabilization in 2021, market volume resumed its upward trend, reaching 249,000 tons by 2023. This second wave of growth was primarily fueled by rising demand from the confectionery and bakery sectors across West Asian countries, where large populations sustained high consumption. The pattern was reinforced by traditional almond use during Ramadan and the modernization of snack preferences in the Middle East.

In 2024, almond imports into Western Asia continued to climb, exceeding 193,000 tons. Supply-side developments, including drought-related production declines in some Mediterranean regions and Iran's increased shipments to European markets, interacted with persistent regional demand growth to shape the evolving market structure.

Production shelled almonds in Western Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of shelled almonds, 2017-2020

World map of production of shelled almonds, 2017-2020

Western Asia's shelled almond production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 117.7 thousand tons of shelled almonds, marking a significant 10.2% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 49.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 14.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Western Asia's shelled almond production has risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, the output of shelled almonds was valued at 1 348 million US dollars in Western Asia, showing a notable year-on-year increase of 16.0%. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 77.8%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 21.1%.

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

Exports shelled almonds from Western Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Shelled almond exports from Western Asia have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 28.7 thousand tons of shelled almonds, representing a significant decrease of 11.5% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 34.4%, with an annualized decline rate of 13.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Western Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the country breakdown of exports in volume terms was diverse. Iran accounted for 33.9% of exports, Pakistan for 6.1%, and Afghanistan for 5.9%. Together, these three countries made up just 46.0% of total export flows, with no single partner emerging as clearly dominant.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Western Asia exported 316.0 million US dollars worth of shelled almonds, which is 9.3% lower than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 5.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 291.1 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 348.3 million US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 19.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Western Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the partner landscape for exports in value terms was broad. Iran held a 33.4% share of exports, Libya accounted for 5.6%, and Afghanistan for 5.1%. Combined, these three countries represented only 44.2% of total export flows, with the remaining 55.8% distributed among many other countries.

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

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

Imports shelled almonds to Western Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Western Asia's volume of shelled almond imports has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported 105.9 thousand tons of shelled almonds, showing only a slight fluctuation compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 23.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.2%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 77.3 thousand tons. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 10.2%, while the largest increase was in 2019, with a rise of 36.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Western Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the country structure of imports in volume terms was heavily dominated by the United States, which accounted for 77.8% of total import flows. Other destinations held relatively small shares.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Western Asia's shelled almond import volume reached 650.7 million US dollars, reflecting a moderate decrease of 3.8% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 19.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 518.2 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 676.1 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 4.9%, and the largest increase was in 2019, with a rise of 30.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Western Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical pattern of imports in value terms was characterized by a strong dominance of the United States, which held a 79.4% share of total import flows. Other partners accounted for relatively minor shares.

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

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