Shelled walnuts market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2022, the shelled walnut market volume in South America contracted from 16 282 t to 11 289 t. Initial production setbacks in Mendoza, Argentina, in 2018 were followed by severe weather-related walnut losses across Argentina and Brazil in 2022, reducing domestic output. At the same time, rising international nut demand and improved export capabilities—such as the GlobalG.A.P. certification obtained by Catamarca producers in 2021—directed more walnuts abroad, further shrinking local availability.

A sharp turnaround occurred in 2023, with market volume jumping to 18 216 t. This surge was fueled by the continued expansion of Chandler walnut plantations in Catamarca, where production had reached 600 t by 2022, and by Brazilian processors securing international food-safety certifications that opened new export markets. These factors collectively boosted regional production and increased the supply of shelled walnuts for domestic consumption.

Production shelled walnuts in South America

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of shelled walnuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of shelled walnuts, 2017-2020

South America's shelled walnut production has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 36 453 tonnes of shelled walnuts, marking a slight decrease of 1.3% from the previous year. Looking back over the period from 2017 to 2020, production actually grew by 35%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 10.5%. The peak production was recorded in 2018 at 37 206 tonnes, with that year also seeing the largest increase of 37.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in South America in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of shelled walnut production in South America has also fallen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 299.6 million US dollars, showing a modest contraction of 6.2% compared to 2019. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 15%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.8%. The highest value was reached in 2018 at 322.4 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 23.8%.

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

Exports shelled walnuts from South America

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, South America exported 26 780 tonnes of shelled walnuts, which is 2.5% lower than the 27 477 tonnes exported in 2019. The lowest export volume during this period was in 2018 at 26 243 tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 4.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South America's shelled walnut exports were distributed among a diverse range of partner countries. Germany accounted for 25.2% of exports in volume, Italy for 8.7%, and Spain for 7.4%. Together, these three countries made up 41.3% of total export flows, indicating a broad market spread.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Shelled walnut exports from South America totaled 220.1 million US dollars in 2020, representing a measured reduction of 7.3% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value decreased by 15.1%, with a compound annual decline rate of 5.3%. The largest decline was in 2018 at 12.3%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 4.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, Italy, and Spain were the top buyers of South American shelled walnuts in value terms, but they did not dominate the market. Germany held a 25.4% share, Italy 9.2%, and Spain 7.8%, collectively accounting for 42.4% of total export value. This highlights a wide array of smaller trading partners in the background.

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

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

Imports shelled walnuts to South America

Imports in kind, t

South America imported 5 280 tonnes of shelled walnuts in 2020, which represents a substantial decrease of 13.8% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 9.2%, with an average annual decline rate of 3.2%. The highest import volume was in 2019 at 6 120 tonnes, and the largest increase occurred that same year at 15.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the clear leader in South America's shelled walnut imports by volume, with a share of 2.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Imports of shelled walnuts into South America have declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 36.1 million US dollars, showing a gradual decline of 7.6% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value decreased by 18.2%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 6.5%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the United States was the primary supplier of shelled walnuts to South America, consistently accounting for 2.1% of total imports in value terms.

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

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