Walnuts market in North Macedonia

Earlier Report Observations

The walnut market volume in North Macedonia fluctuated between 2018 and 2023, starting at 5 425 tons in 2018 and reaching a peak of 6 439 tons in 2022 before contracting to 4 676 tons in 2023. This volatility was largely driven by changes in domestic production, which saw a significant rise to 6 165 tons in 2022, while import volumes varied considerably over the period.

In 2022, the Food and Veterinary Agency banned the import of 22 tons of walnuts from Kazakhstan due to non-compliant labeling and safety standards, highlighting strengthened regulatory oversight for food quality. This action reinforced market access controls and consumer safety protocols for imported walnuts during a year of substantial domestic output growth.

The market decline in 2023 to 4 676 tons was primarily due to a sharp drop in production, which fell to 4 189 tons. Imports increased to 517 tons but could not compensate for the reduced local supply, leading to a lower overall market volume.

Production walnuts in North Macedonia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of walnuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of walnuts, 2017-2020

Walnut production in North Macedonia has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 5 387 tonnes of walnuts, which is 7.4% higher than the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 130.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 32.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in North Macedonia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports walnuts from North Macedonia

Exports in kind, t

The market showed significant volatility during this period. Exports peaked in 2017 and reached their lowest point in 2018, with a 6.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, walnut deliveries from North Macedonia totaled 27.2 tonnes, representing a 161.3% increase compared to the prior year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 4.7 tonnes, with the largest decline of 85.5% occurring that same year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Serbia, Albania, and Montenegro were the main buyers of walnuts from North Macedonia. Serbia accounted for 33.2% of exports in kind, Albania for 16.4%, and Montenegro for 6.2%. Together, these three countries comprised 55.9% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. Export values reached their maximum in 2020 and dropped to a minimum in 2018, with a 3.8-fold shift between these years. In 2020, walnut deliveries from North Macedonia amounted to 95 thousand US dollars, up by 220.7% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 25 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 65.5% occurring that year.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Serbia, Albania, and Montenegro formed the core group of markets for exports in value terms. Serbia represented 39.5% of exports in value, Albania 13.4%, and Montenegro 12.7%. Together, these three countries accounted for 65.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports walnuts to North Macedonia

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, North Macedonia's walnut import volume totaled 227.6 tonnes, which is 64.1% lower than in 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 65.9%, with an average annual decline of 30.1%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 5.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine, Moldova, and Bulgaria were the main sources of walnut imports in kind for North Macedonia. Ukraine accounted for 58.8% of imports in kind, Moldova for 17.5%, and Bulgaria for 12.0%. Together, these three countries represented 88.3% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Walnut shipments to North Macedonia from abroad declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 720 thousand US dollars, marking a year-on-year drop of 64.9%. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 68.1%, equating to an annualized decline of 31.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine and Moldova consistently accounted for 80.0% of total imports in value terms, indicating a high degree of market concentration, with the remaining share distributed among smaller markets.

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

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