Treenuts market in Kazakhstan

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the treenuts market in Kazakhstan underwent a significant transformation. Starting at 20 874 tonnes in 2018, the market saw initial development through growing investor interest in nut farming and the establishment of experimental orchards in southern regions. A slight contraction to 19 946 tonnes followed in 2019, a period when the first projects for intensive orchards with modern irrigation were launched. The market then surged by over 50% in 2020 to 31 436 tonnes. This rapid expansion was driven by a strengthened export orientation toward markets like China and India, which stimulated import volumes of raw nuts for processing and re-export, alongside the introduction of new climate‑adapted nut varieties.

The growth trajectory continued from 2021 to 2022. In 2021, the market volume increased by 31% to 41 083 tonnes, supported by a marked expansion of nut‑bearing plantations, whose area reached 896.4 hectares, and by sustained high imports that met domestic demand not covered by local production. The following year, the market reached its peak of 43 157 tonnes, though growth slowed. This rise was buoyed by the global trend toward healthy eating, which reinforced local consumption, and by continued investment in nursery and irrigation infrastructure for nut farming, even as export shipments declined sharply.

In 2023, the market volume contracted to 30 522 tonnes, reflecting a decrease in both imports and domestic production while exports partially recovered.

Production treenuts in Kazakhstan

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of treenuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of treenuts, 2017-2020

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2017, while the highest occurred in 2019, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 2.3 times. In 2020, Kazakhstan produced 3 293 tons of treenuts, which is 23.5% less than the previous year. The maximum value was 4 307 tons in 2019. The largest increase was 88.7% in 2018.

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

Exports treenuts from Kazakhstan

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. The minimum export volume was recorded in 2019, while the maximum occurred in 2020, with a 4.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Kazakhstan's treenuts export volume totaled 13 865 tons, representing a 308.6% increase compared to 2019. The minimum value was 3 393 tons in 2019. The largest decline was 15.0% in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia and China were the dominant buyers of treenuts from Kazakhstan, together accounting for 98.5% of total exports in kind, with other partners playing a minor role.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. The lowest export value was recorded in 2019, while the highest was in 2020, with a 4.7-fold gap. In 2020, treenuts exports in Kazakhstan reached 8 164 thousand US dollars, up by 373.0% from 2019. The minimum value was 1 726 thousand US dollars in 2019. The largest decline was 45.9% in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia remained the main outlet for treenuts from Kazakhstan, taking 79.5% of total exports in value terms, while the remaining volume was distributed among other countries.

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

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

Imports treenuts to Kazakhstan

Imports in kind, t

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during the period. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2019, while the maximum occurred in 2020, with a 2.2-fold variation. In 2020, imported treenuts volumes in Kazakhstan reached 42 008 tons, corresponding to a steep uptick of 120.7% versus the previous year. The minimum value was 19 033 tons in 2019. The largest decline was 9.2% in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China (48.9% of imports in kind), Iran (17.6% of imports in kind), and the United States (13.8% of imports in kind) remained the principal suppliers of treenuts to Kazakhstan, jointly accounting for 80.4% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Treenuts shipments to Kazakhstan from abroad increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 61 351 thousand US dollars, representing a 52.5% gain versus the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 57.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 16.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China (33.6% of imports in value terms), Iran (25.4% of imports in value terms), and the United States (21.1% of imports in value terms) accounted for the largest share of imports in value terms, together comprising 80.1% of total flows.

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

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