Walnuts market in Afghanistan

Earlier Report Observations

The walnut market in Afghanistan expanded significantly from 10 102 t in 2018 to 23 080 t in 2021. Initial post-war recession in 2018 kept market activity low, but growth accelerated with the entry of foreign walnuts into the domestic market in 2020, which broadened supply. By 2021, increased focus on selecting high-kernel-quality varieties for export-oriented orchards helped drive production volumes higher.

Market volume contracted to 18 856 t in 2022 amid unstable economic conditions, regional disruptions, and adverse climate effects that hampered output. The following year saw a rebound, with volume reaching 25 090 t in 2023.

Production walnuts in Afghanistan

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Afghanistan ranked as the 21st largest producer of walnuts globally.

Top producers of walnuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of walnuts, 2017-2020

Walnut production in Afghanistan grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 14 877 tonnes of walnuts, marking a 1.3% increase from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production surged by 108.2%, averaging an annual growth rate of 27.7%.

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

Exports walnuts from Afghanistan

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes showed significant fluctuations during this period. Exports hit their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 3.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Afghanistan's cross-border shipments of walnuts totaled 1 177 tonnes, reflecting a sharp year-on-year decline of 39.4%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 944 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 136.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—India, Turkey, and Germany—collectively accounted for 62.1% of Afghanistan's total walnut exports by volume.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Afghanistan's walnut exports were valued at 7 424 thousand US dollars, down 8.3% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value rose by 28.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.7%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 4 799 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 8 098 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 17.0%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 68.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, India, Turkey, and Germany were the primary destinations for Afghanistan's walnut exports by value, with shares of 30.4%, 25.3%, and 14.9%, respectively. Together, they made up 70.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports walnuts to Afghanistan

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes exhibited volatility over the observed years. Imports reached their lowest level in 2019 and their highest in 2020, with an 8.9-fold difference. In 2020, Afghanistan imported 275 tonnes of walnuts, representing a dramatic year-on-year surge of 789.2%. The minimum volume was recorded in 2019 at 31 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 74.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States were the main sources of walnut imports by volume for Afghanistan, with shares of 28.6%, 28.6%, and 28.1%, respectively. Combined, they accounted for 85.3% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market displayed volatile behavior during these years. Imports bottomed out in 2019 and peaked in 2020, differing by an 11.4-fold margin. In 2020, Afghanistan's walnut imports were valued at 646 thousand US dollars, equivalent to a staggering increase of 1,042.6% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was in 2019 at 57 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 76.3%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, China, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States dominated Afghanistan's walnut imports by value, collectively accounting for 91.5% of total flows.

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

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