Walnuts market in Americas

Earlier Report Observations

The walnut market in the Americas opened the period with a volume of 930 thousand tons in 2018, supported by high production levels driven by advanced farming techniques and favorable climate conditions in North America. Growing health consciousness among consumers also began expanding walnut consumption. In 2019, the market volume dropped sharply to 699 thousand tons, primarily due to strong export activity by North American producers, which diverted a significant portion of the supply abroad despite continued domestic demand for nutrient-dense snacks.

Market volume rebounded to 993 thousand tons in 2020 as production increased and exports moderated. The following year, volume declined again to 830 thousand tons, influenced by a dip in production and a rise in overseas shipments.

A recovery phase began in 2022, with market volume reaching 898 thousand tons and edging up to 909 thousand tons in 2023. The latter year's growth was underpinned by strategic industry developments, including Olam Group's acquisition of a major walnut processing company, strengthening the supply chain. Simultaneously, increasing consumer preference for natural, nutrient-dense snacks sustained demand across food and beverage applications.

Production walnuts in Americas

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of walnuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of walnuts, 2017-2020

In 2019, walnut production in the Americas declined by 4.1%. However, in 2020, production rebounded significantly, reaching 1 045 thousand tons—a 14.2% increase compared to the previous year. Over the entire 2017-2020 period, production grew by 23.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.3%.

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

Exports walnuts from Americas

Exports in kind, K t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. In 2018, export volumes hit their lowest point at 100.8 thousand tons. The following year, 2019, saw a dramatic surge to 272.0 thousand tons—a 169.9% increase and the peak for the period, creating a top-to-bottom ratio of 2.7 times. By 2020, exports from the Americas dropped sharply to 111.0 thousand tons, marking a 59.2% decrease from 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical distribution of walnut exports in volume terms was highly diversified. Turkey accounted for 9.8% of exports, China for 7.1%, and Italy for 5.2%. Together, these three countries represented just 22.1% of total flows, with the remaining 77.9% spread across numerous smaller trading partners.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After rising for two consecutive years, the value of walnut exports from the Americas declined in 2020. That year, export value stood at 1 031 million US dollars, down 17.6% from 2019. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 1 251 million US dollars, following a 13.6% increase in 2018. Overall, between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 2.4%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 0.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the geographical structure of walnut exports in value terms showed significant diversification. Germany contributed 6.0% of export value, Turkey 5.7%, and Italy 4.5%. Combined, these three countries made up only 16.2% of total flows, while the remaining 83.8% was distributed among many smaller partner countries.

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

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

Imports walnuts to Americas

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, the Americas imported 59.3 thousand tons of walnuts, up 5.4% from the previous year. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 56.3 thousand tons, following a sharp 26.8% decline. In contrast, 2018 saw the highest volume at 76.9 thousand tons, with a 9.3% increase. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 15.7%, translating to an average annual decline of 5.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China was the leading supplier of walnuts to the Americas in volume terms, accounting for 0.5% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, walnut imports to the Americas amounted to 319 million US dollars, an 18.2% increase from the previous year. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 367 million US dollars, after a substantial 39.0% rise. This was followed by a 26.6% drop in 2019. Overall, between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 20.7%, with an average annual increase of 6.5%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, China dominated as the top supplier of walnuts to the Americas in value terms, holding a 0.8% share of total imports.

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

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