Shelled walnuts market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The Romanian shelled walnuts market saw a decline in volume to 12 337 tonnes in 2020, primarily due to a drought that reduced domestic production, even as the number of walnut trees in the country continued to rise. This weather-related supply constraint temporarily hampered market growth despite ongoing increases in planting.

From 2021, the market entered a strong growth phase, reaching 19 480 tonnes by 2023. This expansion was driven by substantial investments in new, larger orchards—including projects over 1 000 hectares—and in processing facilities. The organization of farmers into cooperatives and the rising domestic and European demand for Romanian walnuts further supported this upward trend.

By 2023, Romania had solidified its position as the EU's leading walnut producer, with over 2.3 million trees. The growing reputation of its walnuts and the scale of its largest processors, one selling over 5 000 tonnes annually, were key factors in the sustained market volume increase.

Production shelled walnuts in Romania

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Globally, Romania ranked as the 9th largest producer of shelled walnuts between 2017 and 2020.

Top producers of shelled walnuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of shelled walnuts, 2017-2020

Romania's production of shelled walnuts declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 15 269 tonnes, marking a 6.6% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 7.9%, with an average annual decline of 2.7%. The highest output was recorded in 2018 at 16 800 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 1.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Romania's shelled walnut production value dropped for the third consecutive year. In 2020, it was valued at 83.3 million US dollars, a 5.9% decrease from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, the value declined by 28.1%, with an average annual reduction of 10.4%.

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

Exports shelled walnuts from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Romania's exports of shelled walnuts grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, shipments reached 5 252 tonnes, an 11.2% increase from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports rose by 10.5%, averaging 3.4% growth per year. The lowest volume was in 2018 at 4 376 tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 7.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, the Netherlands, and Germany were the top buyers of Romanian shelled walnuts, accounting for 18.0%, 14.8%, and 13.9% of exports in volume, respectively. However, together they made up just 46.7% of total exports, indicating a well-diversified partner base.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, Romania's shelled walnut exports rebounded in 2020, totaling 28.635 million US dollars, a 12.0% year-on-year increase. Over the 2017-2020 period, however, export value decreased by 13.8%, with an average annual drop of 4.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 25.566 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 13.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Romania's shelled walnut exports in value terms were not highly concentrated. France, the Netherlands, and Germany accounted for 18.1%, 14.5%, and 14.1% of exports, respectively, but together they represented only 46.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports shelled walnuts to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Romania's imports of shelled walnuts increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported 2 320 tonnes, a 5.5% rise from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports surged by 100.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 26.0%.

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

During 2017-2020, Ukraine, Moldova, and Germany were the leading sources for Romania's shelled walnut imports in volume, contributing 46.8%, 14.3%, and 11.3%, respectively. Together, they accounted for 72.3% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Romania's shelled walnut imports grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports were valued at 12.518 million US dollars, a 14.2% increase from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value rose by 73.7%, with an average annual growth of 20.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—Ukraine, Germany, and Moldova—collectively absorbed 72.4% of Romania's total shelled walnut imports in value terms.

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

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