Shelled walnuts market in Central Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for shelled walnuts in Central Asia grew significantly from 34,570 tons in 2018 to 47,944 tons in 2019. This surge was supported by abundant harvests in neighboring Ukraine and Moldova, which increased regional supply and facilitated higher imports into Central Asia. Additionally, rising demand for shelled walnuts in Russia, where imports had expanded sharply, further stimulated trade. In 2020, however, market volume contracted to 43,358 tons, influenced by pandemic-related disruptions that affected global supply chains and demand.

The market rebounded strongly in 2021, reaching 53,116 tons, as sales of walnuts across CIS countries showed steady growth and Russia’s foodservice sector recovered. In 2022, volume stabilized near 53,672 tons amid the implementation of new technical regulations and mandatory certification for walnuts within the Eurasian Customs Union, which adjusted trade flows. By 2023, the market expanded again to 63,860 tons, driven by sustained demand in the confectionery and health‑food segments and ongoing development of frost‑resistant walnut varieties that enhanced regional production.

Production shelled walnuts in Central Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of shelled walnuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of shelled walnuts, 2017-2020

Central Asia's production of shelled walnuts has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 42 645 tonnes of shelled walnuts, marking a modest year-on-year increase of 3.3%. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 22.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 6.9%.

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

Exports shelled walnuts from Central Asia

Exports in kind, t

After two years of decline, Central Asia's cross-border shipments of shelled walnuts rebounded in 2020. The region exported 6 419 tonnes of shelled walnuts that year, representing a significant year-on-year gain of 62.6%. However, over the full period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 29.8%, averaging an annual decline of 11.1%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 3 948 tonnes, while the sharpest drop occurred in 2018 with a 46.2% decrease.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Russia, and Iraq were the main buyers of shelled walnuts from Central Asia. Turkey accounted for 26.3% of exports in volume, Russia for 19.7%, and Iraq for 10.3%. Together, these three countries made up 56.3% of Central Asia's total shelled walnut exports by volume.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market for shelled walnut exports from Central Asia showed notable fluctuations between 2017 and 2020. Export values reached their highest point in 2019 at 30 748 thousand US dollars, then fell to their lowest in 2018 at 16 876 thousand US dollars—a difference of 1.8 times. In 2020, export values stood at 21 950 thousand US dollars, a sharp decline of 28.6% compared to the previous year. The largest decrease was recorded in 2018 at 42.0%, while the biggest increase occurred in 2019 with an 82.2% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Turkey, Russia, and Iraq were the top buyers of shelled walnuts from Central Asia in value terms. Turkey contributed 23.8% of export value, Russia 15.9%, and Iraq 9.7%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 49.4% of total export value, indicating a relatively diversified market structure with contributions from other partners.

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

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

Imports shelled walnuts to Central Asia

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes of shelled walnuts into Central Asia showed irregular changes from 2017 to 2020, reflecting a volatile market. In 2020, the region imported 7 132 tonnes, a drop of 32.8% from the previous year. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 10 608 tonnes, while the lowest was in 2017. Between these years, imports varied by 8.3 times, with the largest increase occurring in 2019 at 382.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China dominated Central Asia's imports of shelled walnuts by volume, holding a 73.1% share of total flows. The remaining imports were distributed among other trading partners.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of shelled walnut imports into Central Asia exhibited an unstable trend from 2017 to 2020. In 2020, imports totaled 7 573 thousand US dollars, a strong drop of 13.5% compared to the previous year. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 8 754 thousand US dollars, while the low point was in 2017. Over this period, import values varied by 2.2 times, with the largest increase of 87.1% occurring in 2019.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China, Ukraine, and Chile were the leading sources of shelled walnut imports into Central Asia by value. China accounted for 52.1% of import value, Ukraine for 9.3%, and Chile for 3.5%. Together, these three countries comprised 64.9% of total import flows.

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

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