Shelled walnuts market Turkey

Earlier Report Observations

The Turkish shelled walnut market entered a growth phase from 2018, supported by a government measure that cut import taxes to 15% and mandated official import channels. This policy increased the transparency and volume of foreign supplies, helping to offset reported domestic shortfalls from farmers exiting and orchard removals. As a result, market volume expanded from 125 thousand tons in 2018 to 143 thousand tons the following year.

Production gains became the primary driver from 2020 onward when the state introduced direct subsidies for diesel and fertilizer for walnut growers. These incentives boosted domestic output significantly, with production rising from 150 thousand tons in 2020 to 173 thousand tons in 2021. Continued agricultural support throughout 2021 sustained this expansion, lifting the total market volume to 176 thousand tons.

In the latter part of the period, consumer demand played a larger role. A pronounced health and wellness trend increased walnut consumption as a healthy snack, with preferences shifting toward thin-shelled varieties and fresh, quality products. This demand impulse supported further growth, leading the market to reach 195 thousand tons in 2023, despite a year of modest expansion in 2022.

Production shelled walnuts Turkey

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

On a global scale, Turkey ranked as the world's third-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

Turkey's production of shelled walnuts grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 149.5 thousand tons, marking a solid 13.0% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 31.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of Turkey's shelled walnut output reached 1 214 million US dollars, reflecting a 27.3% increase from the year before. From 2017 to 2020, production value grew by 33.5%, with an average annual rate of 10.1%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, when it fell by 8.9%.

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

Exports shelled walnuts to Turkey

Exports in kind, t

Turkey's exports of shelled walnuts increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 6 248 tons, showing a slight rise of 0.7% over the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 12.6%, equating to an average annual decline of 4.4%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 4 592 tons, which also saw the largest decline of 35.8%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 35.1% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports to Turkey in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey's shelled walnut exports in volume terms were distributed across numerous countries. Iran accounted for 18.0% of exports, Azerbaijan for 13.0%, and Iraq for 12.3%, with these three countries together representing 43.2% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports to Turkey in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Turkey's export value of shelled walnuts rose for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 50 732 thousand US dollars, up by 13.5% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value decreased by 11%, with an average annual decline of 3.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 40 197 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 29.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the partner structure for Turkey's shelled walnut exports in value terms was balanced rather than concentrated. Iran accounted for 18.0% of export value, Saudi Arabia for 13.6%, and Azerbaijan for 13.4%, with these three countries jointly representing 45.0% of total flows. Many other countries accounted for the remaining 55.0%.

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

World map of product's exports to Turkey in value, 2017-2020

Imports shelled walnuts in Turkey

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year rise, Turkey's imports of shelled walnuts declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 9 171 tons, which is 46.0% lower than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 4.8%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 1.6%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 16 978 tons, which also saw the largest increase of 65.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine was the leading source for Turkey's shelled walnut imports in volume terms, accounting for 44.3% of imports. Uzbekistan followed with 19.5%, and Iran with 10.6%, with these three countries together making up 74.4% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Turkey's import value of shelled walnuts declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 16 615 thousand US dollars, representing a dramatic contraction of 46.1% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value decreased by 66.2%, with an average annual decline of 30.3%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Ukraine was the primary source for Turkey's shelled walnut imports in value terms, accounting for 30.4% of imports. Uzbekistan contributed 25.5%, and China 11.0%, with these three countries together forming 66.9% of total import flows.

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

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