Shelled walnuts market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

The market for shelled walnuts in the MENA region expanded significantly from 25 041 t in 2018 to 38 041 t in 2023, though not without fluctuations. A sharp increase to 33 849 t in 2019 was followed by a contraction to 29 848 t in 2020. The market then recovered strongly, reaching 36 590 t in 2021, a growth of 22.6% driven by improved access to agricultural products. In September 2021, an agreement between KissanPro and Barakat Vegetables & Fruit Co facilitated the flow of produce into the Middle East, enhancing the availability of nuts like walnuts.

Growth continued into 2022, with the market size climbing to 38 939 t. This was supported by substantial government investments in agriculture, such as Egypt's $2.73 billion allocation to boost production, and the region's broader agricultural sector growth at a 5.7% CAGR. By 2023, the market experienced a slight correction to 38 041 t, against the backdrop of a global walnut market valued at $8.4 billion, with China as the leading producer.

In 2024, import volumes surged to 51 678 t, reflecting continued strong demand and the impact of new market entrants and e-commerce growth, while regional data protection legislation evolved to bolster consumer confidence in online nut sales.

Production shelled walnuts in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of shelled walnuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of shelled walnuts, 2017-2020

MENA's shelled walnut production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 7 808 tons of shelled walnuts, marking a 4.4% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 4.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 6 684 tons. That year also saw the largest decline of 18.3%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase of 11.9%.

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

Exports shelled walnuts from MENA

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2017, showing a 3.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, MENA exported 2 807 tons of shelled walnuts, representing a significant increase of 118.2% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 287 tons, which also saw the largest decline of 51.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, shelled walnut exports from MENA were not highly concentrated. The top destinations—Turkey (16.3% of exports in kind), India (7.3%), and Free Zones (1.2%)—together accounted for only 24.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Cross-border shipments of shelled walnuts from MENA increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 32.6 million US dollars, showing a strong advance of 15.6% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 17.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 19.5 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 50.7%. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest increase of 44.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, shelled walnuts from MENA were traded with numerous countries. Even the largest destinations—Turkey, India, and Free Zones—together represented only 28.0% of total exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports shelled walnuts to MENA

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, MENA's shelled walnut import volumes amounted to 24 847 tons, reflecting a robust reduction of 10.2% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.4%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 21 011 tons, while the maximum was in 2019 at 27 658 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 21.4%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 31.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (54.4% of imports in kind), Ukraine (13.9%), and Turkey (6.5%) led the ranking of shelled walnut suppliers to MENA. Their combined share reached 74.8% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Foreign shelled walnut supplies to MENA increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 159.4 million US dollars, showing a gradual rise of 5.6% over the past year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 147.6 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 8.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (60.4% of imports in value terms), Chile (7.7%), and Ukraine (7.7%) remained the main suppliers of shelled walnuts to MENA. Together, they formed 75.7% of total imports in value terms.

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

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