Walnuts market in Europe

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2024, the European walnut market volume showed notable variability, influenced by production changes and evolving consumption patterns. The start of new walnut orchard plantings in several regions and investments in research and development laid a foundation for future output. A consumer shift toward organic and natural foods, accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, sustained demand despite initial supply chain disruptions in 2020. This demand was further fueled by the rise of vegan and plant-based diets, leading to a sharp recovery in 2021 when production increased to 391 thousand tons and market size reached 539 thousand tons.

Expansion continued into 2022 as cultivated area for walnuts grew, especially in Germany and France, helping production peak at 424 thousand tons. However, trade conflicts and geopolitical tensions in 2023 impacted imported walnut availability and prices, contributing to a market decline. In 2024, adverse weather conditions and a global market crisis reduced European production, particularly in France, where the government declared a sector crisis and promoted restructuring. Throughout the period, innovations in packaging, the growth of e-commerce, and strong consumer awareness of walnuts' nutritional benefits supported market resilience.

Production walnuts in Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of walnuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of walnuts, 2017-2020

Europe's walnut production has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, European countries produced 348.6 thousand tons of walnuts, which represents a 1.0% decrease compared to 2019. The largest increase in production occurred in 2018, when output rose by 5.2% to reach a peak of 368.6 thousand tons. However, the following year saw the sharpest decline, with production falling by 4.4% in 2019.

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

Exports walnuts from Europe

Exports in kind, K t

The export market for walnuts from Europe showed significant volatility during this period. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 59.1 thousand tons, which then surged by 126.5% to reach a peak of 133.9 thousand tons in 2019. This created a 2.3-fold difference between the minimum and maximum values. In 2020, exports dropped sharply by 24.8% year-over-year to 100.6 thousand tons. The most substantial decline occurred in 2018, when exports fell by 43.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, European walnut exports were distributed across numerous markets. Turkey accounted for 12.1% of export volumes, Iraq for 3.3%, and Azerbaijan for 2.9%. Together, these three countries represented just 18.3% of total export flows, indicating a highly diversified market structure.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of walnut exports from Europe has declined for three consecutive years. In 2020, exports amounted to 568 million US dollars, marking a 6.4% decrease from the previous year. Over the entire 2017-2020 period, export values fell by 12.2%, which translates to an average annual decline of 4.2%.

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

The market base for European walnut exports in value terms remained broad from 2017 to 2020. Turkey accounted for 3.5% of export value, Switzerland for 2.8%, and Azerbaijan for 1.3%. Combined, these three markets represented only 7.5% of total export flows, with the remaining 92.5% distributed among numerous other countries.

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

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

Imports walnuts to Europe

Imports in kind, K t

Europe imported 201.8 thousand tons of walnuts in 2020, representing a significant 10.2% reduction compared to 2019. The lowest import volume during this period was recorded in 2018 at 189.8 thousand tons, while imports peaked in 2019 at 224.7 thousand tons following an 18.4% increase that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the dominant source for European walnut imports, accounting for 38.7% of import volumes. Chile contributed 15.0%, and China 2.6%. Together, these three countries supplied 56.3% of Europe's total walnut imports during this period.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of decline, the value of walnut imports into Europe increased in 2020. Imports reached 1 296 million US dollars, up 7.5% compared to 2019. The lowest import value was recorded in 2019 at 1 206 million US dollars, following a 10.2% decline that year. Over the entire 2017-2020 period, import values decreased by 4.1%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 1.4%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, the United States accounted for 37.7% of Europe's walnut import value, Chile for 17.0%, and China for 2.6%. These three countries together represented 57.3% of total import flows in value terms.

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

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