Walnuts market in Central Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The walnut market in Central Asia experienced a sharp expansion, rising from 65 thousand tons in 2018 to 97 thousand tons in 2019. This surge was primarily driven by the growing popularity of healthy eating and increased demand for functional plant-based foods across the region. However, in 2020, market volume fell to 74 thousand tons as the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruptions to supply chains and international trade flows.

From 2021 onward, the market entered a phase of steady recovery and growth, climbing to 102 thousand tons by 2023. This sustained expansion was supported by a deepening consumer preference for natural and unprocessed nuts, alongside the entry of new market players and a broadening assortment of walnut-based products which improved availability and stimulated consumption.

Production walnuts in Central Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of walnuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of walnuts, 2017-2020

In 2020, Central Asia produced 59 156 tons of walnuts, marking a slight year-over-year increase of 2.8%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 8.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.6%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 59 665 tons, which represented a 9.0% increase. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest decline of 3.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Central Asia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports walnuts from Central Asia

Exports in kind, t

Walnut exports from Central Asia have risen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 13 025 tons, showing a sharp increase of 54.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 25.9%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 8.0%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 6 265 tons, which marked the largest decline of 39.5% during the period.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, Turkey, and Iraq were the main destinations for walnut exports from Central Asia, accounting for 65.2% of total exports in volume. Russia led with 39.9%, followed by Turkey at 18.1%, and Iraq at 7.1%.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. The lowest export value was recorded in 2018 at 18 027 thousand US dollars, while the highest occurred in 2019 at 35 384 thousand US dollars, resulting in a peak-to-trough ratio of 2 times. In 2020, Central Asia exported walnuts worth 26 940 thousand US dollars, indicating a notable reduction of 23.9% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was in 2018 at 41.2%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 96.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Russia, Turkey, and Iraq were the primary buyers of walnuts from Central Asia in value terms, jointly accounting for 52.1% of total exports. Russia contributed 22.1%, Turkey 21.4%, and Iraq 8.7%.

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

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

Imports walnuts to Central Asia

Imports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. The lowest import volume was in 2017, while the peak was in 2019, with a 16-fold amplitude between these years. In 2020, walnut imports into Central Asia totaled 28 098 tons, down by 41.8% from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 48 300 tons, which saw the largest increase of 315.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China remained the dominant market for walnut imports in volume, holding an 89.6% share of total flows. The remaining volume was distributed across various other destinations.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Import values varied 4.7 times from the low in 2017 to the high in 2019. In 2020, the volume of walnut imports into Central Asia stood at 23 772 thousand US dollars, showing a reduction of 5.3% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 25 090 thousand US dollars, which experienced the largest increase of 162.4%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, China consistently accounted for 77.0% of total imports in value terms, indicating a high concentration on this market. The remainder was shared among other countries.

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

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