Shelled walnuts market in Western Asia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the shelled walnut market in Western Asia grew from 145.5 to 172.9 thousand tons, supported by continuous state subsidies and incentives for walnut cultivation. These measures encouraged the expansion of planting areas and the adoption of modern agricultural techniques. Despite pandemic-related challenges in 2020, the establishment of a new state-backed processing plant in Tokat helped maintain production growth, which increased from 119.8 to 149.9 thousand tons over this period.

Market volume surged to 204.9 thousand tons in 2021, largely driven by a strategic partnership between the A101 retail chain and the Walnut Producers Association. This collaboration enhanced the traceability and direct retail availability of domestic shelled walnuts, significantly boosting sales. Concurrently, a pronounced shift in consumer preferences towards healthy, natural snacks emphasized the nutritional benefits of walnuts, further elevating demand. Ongoing investments in modern processing facilities and efforts to improve the quality of local varieties strengthened the supply chain throughout 2022.

The market continued its upward trajectory, reaching 228.7 thousand tons in 2023. The focus on sustainable farming practices and technological upgrades in processing supported consistent production growth, while health-conscious consumption trends provided a steady foundation for demand.

Production shelled walnuts in Western Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of shelled walnuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of shelled walnuts, 2017-2020

Western Asia's shelled walnut production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 149.9 thousand tons of shelled walnuts, marking a strong 13.0% increase from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 31.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Western Asia's shelled walnut production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 1 185 million US dollars, showing a robust 17.2% gain compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 34.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.5%.

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

Exports shelled walnuts from Western Asia

Exports in kind, t

Western Asia's shelled walnut exports have risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 10 505 tons, up 10.5% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 5.4%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 1.8%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 7 485 tons, which saw the largest decline of 24.9%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the biggest increase of 27.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iran, India, and Egypt were the top buyers of shelled walnuts from Western Asia, accounting for 20.7%, 5.9%, and 3.2% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, they made up 29.8% of total exports, with many smaller partners contributing the remainder.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Shelled walnut exports from Western Asia have grown for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 83.0 million US dollars worth of shelled walnuts, a 14.7% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports rose by 8.3%, with an annualized rate of 2.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 59.1 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 22.9%. The biggest increase occurred in 2019, with a 22.4% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export structure in value terms remained highly diversified. Iran, India, and Egypt accounted for 18.5%, 5.3%, and 4.5% of exports, respectively, totaling 28.3% of the overall flows. The remaining 71.7% came from a wide range of smaller markets.

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

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

Imports shelled walnuts to Western Asia

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Western Asia's shelled walnut imports totaled 33 507 tons, a 27.3% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 8.5%, with an annualized decline rate of 2.9%. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 33 199 tons, while the peak was in 2019 at 46 086 tons, which saw the largest increase of 38.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—the United States, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan—together accounted for 72.9% of total shelled walnut imports in kind to Western Asia.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Western Asia's imported shelled walnuts were valued at 172.2 million US dollars, down 7.3% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 19.4%, with an annualized decline rate of 6.9%. The largest drop was in 2018 at 13.6%, while the biggest increase was a modest 0.6% in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Ukraine, and Chile led as the main suppliers of shelled walnuts to Western Asia in value terms, accounting for 46.9%, 16.9%, and 6.9% of imports, respectively. Together, they made up 70.6% of total import value.

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

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