Walnuts market in Iran

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, Iran's walnut production grew steadily from 304.0 thousand tons to 385.1 thousand tons, supported by a focus on kernel and shell quality that bolstered domestic and export demand. The adoption of online sales channels provided growers with new market access. A key driver in 2021 was the expansion of walnut orchard area across several provinces due to favorable climatic conditions, which directly increased supply. During this period, the market also faced challenges such as unfavorable weather affecting nut quality and geopolitical tensions that temporarily disrupted trade, yet output continued to rise.

In 2022, production declined to 355.0 thousand tons. That year saw significant developments in the market's foundation: Royal Nhal emerged as a leading supplier by introducing improved domestic walnut seedling genotypes, aiming to enhance future orchard productivity. Simultaneously, packaging innovations using edible coatings and non‑recyclable polymers were explored to better preserve quality and boost export potential. These changes, however, did not offset the short‑term dip in harvest volumes.

By 2023, production recovered to 378.7 thousand tons, while the total market volume jumped to 416.7 thousand tons, fueled by the first notable imports of 43.2 thousand tons. Domestic walnuts from the Bavarat region in Fars province gained recognition for superior kernel quality, strengthening the premium segment. The market experienced price volatility partly due to tight domestic supply and initial delays in foreign walnut arrivals, but the influx of imports ultimately expanded overall availability.

Production walnuts in Iran

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Iran ranked as the world's third-largest producer of walnuts.

Top producers of walnuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of walnuts, 2017-2020

Walnut production in Iran grew for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 363.3 thousand tons of walnuts, marking a significant increase of 13.2% compared to the previous year. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, overall production declined by 7.7%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 2.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 304.0 thousand tons, with the steepest drop of 22.8% occurring that same year.

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

Exports walnuts from Iran

Exports in kind, t

The export market for walnuts from Iran exhibited notable volatility during the observed period. Exports peaked in 2018 at 3,828 tons and fell to their lowest point in 2020 at 637 tons, representing a sixfold difference between these years. In 2020, exports decreased by 39.6% compared to 2019. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019 with a 72.5% drop, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 39.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey was the primary destination for Iran's walnut exports in volume terms, accounting for 76.0% of total shipments. The remaining share was distributed among other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year decline, Iran's walnut exports in value terms rebounded. In 2020, exports totaled 4,891 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 13.8% increase compared to 2019. However, over the full period from 2017 to 2020, export value decreased by 76.3%, averaging an annual decline of 38.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 4,296 thousand US dollars, with the sharpest drop of 62.6% occurring in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey dominated Iran's walnut exports in value terms, capturing 76.9% of total revenue. Other countries collectively made up the remainder.

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

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

Imports walnuts to Iran

According to industry reports, Iran did not import any walnuts from 2017 to 2020.