Walnuts market in Azerbaijan

Earlier Report Observations

Walnut production in Azerbaijan rose from 11 745 t in 2018 to 14 344 t in 2023. This increase was supported by a broader expansion in the non-oil agricultural sector, which boosted output in 2020. In subsequent years, state efforts to promote exports of agricultural goods and encourage investment in modern walnut orchards provided further momentum for production growth.

The domestic walnut market volume expanded from 15 325 t to 19 398 t over the same period, though it contracted in 2020 as import volumes fell temporarily. Imports remained volatile, with changes to customs and import-export operation regulations in 2022 altering trade procedures and affecting supply.

Local walnuts are primarily grown in the Sheki-Zagatala economic region, with varieties used for fresh consumption and confectionery. Reports of relatively low product quality in some years contributed to higher domestic prices, but the overall production trend remained upward as new plantings and improved cultivation practices took hold.

Production walnuts in Azerbaijan

In kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Azerbaijan ranked as the 23rd largest producer of walnuts worldwide.

Top producers of walnuts, 2018-2021

World map of production of walnuts, 2018-2021

Walnut production in Azerbaijan grew for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 13 136 tonnes of walnuts, marking a moderate increase of 3.9% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production rose by 11.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.8%. The lowest output was recorded in 2019 at 11 581 tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 1.4%. In contrast, 2020 experienced the largest increase of 9.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Azerbaijan in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports walnuts from Azerbaijan

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend during this period. The minimum export volume was recorded in 2020 at 0.0 tonnes, while the maximum occurred in 2018, resulting in an 11.9-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Azerbaijan's cross-border shipments of walnuts reached 0.1 tonnes, reflecting a 28.6% gain from the previous year. The largest decline was observed in 2019 at 85.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Azerbaijan in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Russia dominated Azerbaijan's walnut exports in volume, accounting for 78.1% of total flows, with the remaining share distributed among various smaller destinations.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Azerbaijan in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations over the period. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 0.4 thousand US dollars, while the maximum was in 2019 at 1 thousand US dollars, representing a 4.1-fold variation. In 2021, Azerbaijan exported 0.4 thousand US dollars worth of walnuts, which is 9.3% more than in 2020. The largest decline occurred in 2020 at 75.4%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 182.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Azerbaijan in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, three key markets—Russia, the United Arab Emirates, and Belarus—collectively accounted for 37.0% of the total value of walnut exports from Azerbaijan.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Azerbaijan in value, 2018-2021

Imports walnuts to Azerbaijan

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Azerbaijan imported 4 382 tonnes of walnuts from abroad, representing a 37.8% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 22.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.0%. The minimum volume was recorded in 2020 at 3 179 tonnes, while the maximum was in 2019 at 5 022 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2020 at 36.7%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 40.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Azerbaijan in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, walnut imports to Azerbaijan were heavily concentrated on Ukraine, which accounted for 80.4% of total volume; other countries together made up the remaining share.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Azerbaijan in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Azerbaijan's imported walnut volumes stood at 12 578 thousand US dollars, showing a 35.2% increase year-over-year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports rose by 32.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.8%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 9 305 thousand US dollars, while the maximum was in 2019 at 14 398 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2020 at 35.4%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 51.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Azerbaijan in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Ukraine remained the primary market for Azerbaijan's walnut imports in value terms, holding an 81.3% share of total flows, with the rest distributed across numerous other destinations.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Azerbaijan in value, 2018-2021