Shelled walnuts market in Iran

Earlier Report Observations

The shelled walnut market in Iran expanded from 6.2 thousand tons in 2018 to 8.8 thousand tons in 2023, a 42% increase over the period. This growth was supported by the government's import ban, implemented in 2018 to protect domestic producers, which ensured that market volume relied entirely on local output. Production increases in 2020 and 2021 were further aided by a reported reduction in smuggled foreign walnuts, which heightened demand for Iranian nuts, and by the widespread adoption of drip irrigation systems that boosted orchard productivity.

After reaching a peak of 8.4 thousand tons in 2021, the market experienced a temporary contraction to 7.9 thousand tons in 2022, reflecting a dip in domestic production. During this time, the industry saw record sales of improved domestic walnut saplings, adapted to Iran's diverse climates, signaling investments aimed at enhancing future yields. The market rebounded strongly in 2023, surpassing 8.8 thousand tons, as domestic output recovered and the import prohibition remained in force, maintaining a protected environment for local growers.

Production shelled walnuts in Iran

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Iran was among the world's top producers of shelled walnuts from 2017 to 2020, ranking 15th globally by production volume during this period.

Top producers of shelled walnuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of shelled walnuts, 2017-2020

Iran's production of shelled walnuts increased for the second consecutive year in 2020, reaching 7 808 tonnes. This represented a 4.4% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, however, overall production declined by 4.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 6 684 tonnes, which saw the largest annual decline of 18.3%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the most significant increase of 11.9%.

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

Exports shelled walnuts from Iran

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes of shelled walnuts from Iran showed considerable fluctuations during this period. The highest level was registered in 2017, while the lowest occurred in 2020, creating a six-fold difference between peak and trough. In 2020, Iran exported 411 tonnes of shelled walnuts, marking a 29.9% decrease from the previous year. The most substantial decline happened in 2018 at 80.7%, while 2019 saw the largest increase of 24.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey was the primary destination for Iran's shelled walnut exports, accounting for 76.1% of total export volume. The remaining share went to a diverse group of other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The export value of shelled walnuts from Iran exhibited significant volatility during these years. The highest value was recorded in 2017, with the lowest in 2018, resulting in a 7.9-fold difference between these extremes. In 2020, Iran's shelled walnut exports reached 3 860 thousand US dollars, representing an 8.3% increase compared to 2019. The minimum value occurred in 2018 at 2 581 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual decline of 87.3%. Conversely, 2019 experienced the most substantial increase of 38.1%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Turkey remained the dominant market for Iran's shelled walnut exports in value terms, comprising 77.9% of total export revenue. Other destinations accounted for significantly smaller shares.

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

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

Imports shelled walnuts to Iran

Market research indicates that Iran did not import any shelled walnuts between 2017 and 2020.