Walnuts market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

The walnuts market in the MENA region expanded from 423 thousand tons in 2018 to 544 thousand tons in 2021. This growth was initiated by substantial government investments in Egypt's agricultural infrastructure and the adoption of new farming technologies across the region. The entry of new players, such as through the strategic partnership between KissanPro and Barakat Vegetables & Fruit Co in 2021, further facilitated product access and distribution, supporting the market's upward trend.

After reaching a peak in 2021, the market volume experienced a correction, declining to 507 thousand tons in 2022. The subsequent year saw a strong recovery, with the market surging to 616 thousand tons in 2023, indicating renewed momentum.

By 2024, trade dynamics shifted as imports decreased and exports fell sharply. This occurred alongside the expansion of nut processing capacity in Nigeria by the Olam Group and a marked rise in e-commerce expenditure in key markets like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which altered distribution channels. Regional uncertainties also contributed to a changing economic landscape.

Production walnuts in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of walnuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of walnuts, 2017-2020

MENA's walnut production grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 414.8 thousand tons of walnuts, marking a 12.1% increase compared to the previous year. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production actually fell by 7.5%, which translates to an average annual decline of 2.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 357.1 thousand tons, when output dropped by 20.4%—the sharpest decrease observed during this timeframe.

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

Exports walnuts from MENA

Exports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. Exports hit their lowest point in 2018 at 8.5 thousand tons and peaked in 2019 at 54.3 thousand tons, with a 6.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, MENA's foreign walnut supplies totaled 32.0 thousand tons, down 41.1% from 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018, when exports fell by 67.7%, while the biggest increase was in 2019, with a surge of 539.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main markets for MENA's walnut exports in volume terms were India, Turkey, and Pakistan. India accounted for 7.3% of exports, Turkey for 6.1%, and Pakistan for 1.7%. Together, these three countries made up 15.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, MENA's walnut exports in value terms declined. In 2020, exports reached 121.0 million US dollars, a drop of 35.1% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 4.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 186.6 million US dollars, when exports rose by 60.8%—the largest increase during this timeframe.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, India, and Pakistan were the three main markets for MENA's walnut exports in value terms. Together, they absorbed 14.5% of total export value.

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

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

Imports walnuts to MENA

Imports in kind, K t

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout the period. Imports bottomed in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 1.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, MENA imported 107.2 thousand tons of walnuts, a decrease of 16.6% compared to 2019. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 128.6 thousand tons, when imports increased by 72.0%—the largest rise observed.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, the United States, Chile, and Turkey were the main suppliers of walnuts to MENA in volume terms. The United States accounted for 46.3% of imports, Chile for 17.9%, and Turkey for 11.9%. Combined, these three countries comprised 76.1% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of increase, MENA's walnut imports in value terms declined. In 2020, imports were recorded at 379.7 million US dollars, down 6.0% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 23.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.2%. The maximum value was reached in 2019 at 404.0 million US dollars, when imports rose by 25.8%—the largest increase during this timeframe.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Chile, and Turkey were the main suppliers of walnuts to MENA in value terms. The United States accounted for 51.0% of import value, Chile for 16.9%, and Turkey for 11.3%. Together, these three countries made up 79.2% of total import value.

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

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