Walnuts market in CIS

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the CIS walnut market volume grew to 118 thousand tons, supported by rising imports into Russia due to insufficient domestic production and increasing demand. Favorable climatic conditions in southern Russian regions also fostered walnut cultivation, including the development of frost-resistant varieties. The following year, market volume surged to 152 thousand tons, driven by continued import growth fueled by retail and HoReCa sector demand, alongside the expansion of distribution networks and product ranges containing walnuts.

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated trade restrictions impacted both exports and imports in 2020, reducing the market volume to 138 thousand tons. However, shifts in consumption patterns and the growth of domestic tourism in Russia supported local demand, while the emergence of new product segments like healthy snacks began to stimulate consumption. By 2021, the market recovered to 163 thousand tons, buoyed by a 22% sales increase across CIS countries over the preceding years and further development of domestic nut farming, including export capabilities and the adoption of frost-resistant varieties.

In 2022, the market stabilized at 160 thousand tons as sanctions and trade restrictions affected import structures while encouraging domestic production growth. Rising consumer awareness of walnuts' health benefits continued to fuel demand for ingredients and finished products. By 2023, the market reached 184 thousand tons, reflecting sustained consumer interest and the supply chain's adaptation to new conditions.

Production walnuts in CIS

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of walnuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of walnuts, 2017-2020

In 2020, walnut production in the CIS reached 108.3 thousand tons, showing a modest year-over-year increase of 0.7%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 2.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.0%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 109.4 thousand tons. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 1.7%, while the most significant increase was also in 2018, at 4.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Walnut production value in the CIS declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 572.5 million US dollars, marking a slight decrease of 0.7% compared to 2019. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 672.7 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 14.3%, while the most substantial increase was in 2018, at 18.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in CIS in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports walnuts from CIS

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, walnut exports from the CIS amounted to 19 161 tons, representing a 20.6% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 20.3%, with an average annual decline of 7.3%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 18 672 tons, while the highest was in 2019 at 24 120 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 22.3%, and the most significant increase was in 2019, at 29.2%.

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

The structure of walnut exports in volume terms from 2017 to 2020 indicates a diversified set of trading partners. France accounted for 13.9% of exports, Turkey for 11.5%, and Germany for 8.8%, together making up 34.2% of total flows. The remaining 65.8% was distributed among numerous smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, the CIS exported walnuts worth 101.3 million US dollars, which is 21.6% lower year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 22%, with an average annual decline of 8.0%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, at 12.6%.

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

The partner structure of walnut exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 remained fragmented. France accounted for 20.1% of exports, Germany for 13.7%, and the Netherlands for 8.3%, together representing 42.1% of total flows. No single country held a dominant share.

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

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

Imports walnuts to CIS

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes showed significant volatility during this period. In 2020, walnut deliveries to the CIS totaled 48 335 tons, down by 29.3% compared to the previous year. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 68 402 tons, while the lowest was in 2017. From the low in 2017 to the high in 2019, imports varied by a factor of 4.2. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 147.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China was the principal supplier of walnuts to the CIS, accounting for 52.3% of imports in volume terms, followed by Ukraine at 19.4% and Chile at 7.9%. Together, these three countries accounted for 79.5% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, walnut imports to the CIS declined. In 2020, imports were valued at [value_last_year] million US dollars, showing a moderate year-over-year decrease of 3.9%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 90.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 24.1%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 96.5 million US dollars, with the largest increase also in 2019, at 41.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets for walnut imports in value terms were Ukraine, China, and Chile, which together accounted for 70.3% of total flows.

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

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