Its market reached 8.4 billion dollars.. The 10 largest walnut producing countries in the world | Economy

Walnuts are one of the most widely traded nuts in the world, and are very popular among people in different countries due to their distinctive taste and many health benefits.

The global walnut market size was valued at USD 8.4 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 12.4 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.4% during the forecast period 2024-2032, according to the International Market Analysis, Research & Consulting Group (IMRC Group).

This growth is due to:

• Increase consumer awareness of the health benefits of walnuts.
• Expanding retail and online distribution channels.
• The growing popularity of nut milk.
• Walnuts are increasingly being used in various cuisines around the world.
• Rapid advances in agricultural technologies and sophisticated trade policies.

Top 10 Walnut Producing Countries in the World

China is the world’s largest producer of walnuts, producing 1.4 million metric tons in 2023. Here is a list of the world’s top 10 walnut producing countries for the 2023-2024 season in metric tons, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service:

1. China: 1.4 million metric tons.
2. United States: 689,461 metric tons.
3. Chile: 198 thousand metric tons.
4. EU countries: 150 thousand metric tons.
5. Ukraine: 80 thousand metric tons.
6. Türkiye: 70 thousand metric tons.
7. India: 33,450 metric tons.
8. Moldova: 20 thousand metric tons.
9. Australia: 14,000 metric tons.
10. Brazil: 11 thousand metric tons.

Top 10 Walnut Exporting Countries in the World

Walnuts that are exported and imported are divided into two types: walnuts with shells and walnuts without shells. Below we will provide you with two lists of the largest countries exporting walnuts of both types in 2022, estimated in dollars, according to the “OEC World” platform (oec.world).

Walnuts in shell

Below we present to you the top 10 countries exporting walnuts in shell in 2022 according to the OAC World platform. It is noteworthy that the UAE is on the list due to the transit and re-export trade in the Gulf state:

1. United States: $407 million.
2. Chile: $259 million.
3. China: $191 million.
4. UAE: $150 million.
5. France: $58.9 million.
6. Türkiye: $49.2 million.
7. Mexico: $46.3 million.
8. Australia: $10.1 million.
9. Netherlands: $5.45 million.
10. Belgium: $4.51 million.

Without crust

Below is a list of the top 10 countries exporting walnuts in shells in 2022 in dollars, according to OAC World:

1. United States: $907 million.
2. Chile: $216 million.
3. China: $198 million.
4. Germany $126 million.
5. Ukraine: $76.2 million.
6. Türkiye: $54.6 million.
7. Moldova: $48.2 million.
8. Romania: $35.6 million
9. Netherlands: $31.6 million.
10. UAE: $29.8 million.

Top 10 Walnut Importing Countries in the World

We present to you the largest countries importing walnuts of both types (shelled and unshelled) in 2022, according to the OAC World platform:

Walnuts in shell

These are the top 10 countries importing walnuts in the shell in 2022, according to OAC World:

1. Türkiye: $193 million.
2. UAE: $181 million.
3. Iran: $99.7 million.
4. Mexico: $91.8 million.
5. India: $89.8 million.
6. Italy: $85.3 million.
7. China: $52.9 million.
8. Iraq: $40.1 million.
9. Morocco: $39.9 million.
10. Germany: $39.8 million.

Without crust

These are the top 10 countries importing unshelled walnuts in 2022, according to the previous source:

1. Germany: $345 million.
2. Spain: $120 million.
3. Netherlands: $116 million.
4. Japan: $108 million.
5. South Korea: $90.5 million.
6. United Kingdom: $73.3 million.
7. France: $69.5 million.
8. Canada: $65.8 million.
9. Italy: $64.1 million.
10. UAE: $49.6 million.

Facts you may not know about walnuts

Here are some facts you may not know about walnuts, according to Walnuts.org:

• Walnuts are one of the oldest tree foods known to man, dating back to 7,000 years BC. Ancient civilizations made walnut milk as a refreshing drink, and many people still enjoy walnut milk to this day.
• Walnut trees grow at a rate of 24 inches per year, reach heights of 40 to 60 feet and can produce nuts for more than 100 years.
• The United States officially celebrates walnuts, with the U.S. Walnut Marketing Association establishing the first National Walnut Day in June 1949, and President Eisenhower declaring it a state holiday in 1958.
• Walnuts are a source of omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (2.5 grams/ounce), making them a heart-healthy addition to your diet. They also contain 4 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber per ounce.
• Walnuts are high in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are healthier than saturated fats. Additionally, walnuts contain alpha-linolenic and linoleic acids, which may have anti-inflammatory effects that keep blood vessels healthy, as well as positive effects on blood lipids.