Walnuts market in Egypt, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The walnut market in Egypt expanded from 25.5 thousand tons in 2018 to 28.4 thousand tons in 2021, driven primarily by rising imports. Domestic walnut cultivation is limited to about 100 acres, relying on local varieties, which necessitated significant imports to meet demand. Egypt imports 70-80 thousand tons of nuts annually, with walnuts comprising a substantial share. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted global supply chains and increased shipping costs, while the depreciation of the Egyptian pound raised import expenses, yet imports continued to grow. In 2021, a sharp decline in in-shell walnut prices—caused by shipping crises, container shortages, and a weak Turkish lira—made imports more affordable, boosting imports to 4.9 thousand tons and driving market volume upward.

Market growth slowed in 2022, stabilizing at 28.4 thousand tons as imports slightly decreased. The Egyptian government implemented reform packages to enhance private sector involvement and reduce public investments, potentially affecting agricultural investments including nut production. Currency floatation policies introduced price volatility for walnuts. In 2023, the market volume contracted to 27.2 thousand tons, with imports falling to 3.5 thousand tons. Rising nut prices domestically, especially during Ramadan, and the government’s move to sell state-owned companies to strengthen the private sector likely dampened import activity. Additionally, opportunities for Egyptian companies to gain market share abroad due to higher production costs in competitor countries like Turkey may have encouraged a focus on export potential, though exports remained minimal.

Throughout the period, the Egyptian walnut market demonstrated reliance on imports to compensate for constrained local production, which remained steady around 23.6-23.8 thousand tons. External shocks such as the pandemic and currency fluctuations, alongside internal policy shifts toward privatization, shaped import dynamics and overall market size, leading to expansion through 2021 followed by stabilization and a slight decline.

Production walnuts in Egypt

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt ranked 14th globally in walnut production volume.

Top producers of walnuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of walnuts, 2017-2020

Egypt's walnut production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 23 635 tons of walnuts, showing minimal change compared to the previous year.

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

Exports walnuts from Egypt

Market intelligence reports indicate that Egypt did not export any walnuts between 2017 and 2020.

Imports walnuts to Egypt

Imports in kind, t

Egypt's walnut imports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume reached 3 240 tons, marking a 23.6% gain compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 343.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 64.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the dominant source for Egypt's walnut imports in kind, accounting for 76.4% of total flows, while the remaining share was distributed among several smaller markets.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Egypt's foreign walnut supplies increased in value for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported walnuts worth {value_last_year} thousand US dollars, which is 33.5% higher than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value rose by 264.8%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 53.9%.

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

During 2017-2020, the United States held the dominant position in Egypt's walnut imports by value, accounting for 73.5% of total flows, with the remainder split among various smaller destinations.

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

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