MENA: Walnut Market 2025

Walnut Market Size in MENA

In 2021, the MENA's walnut market increased by 2% to $X, rising for the second year in a row after two years of decline. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.5% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being recorded in certain years. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of the market failed to regain momentum.

Walnut Production in MENA

In value terms, walnut production dropped to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production recorded a perceptible curtailment. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 36% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production attained the maximum level at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

The countries with the highest volumes of production in 2021 were Iran (X tons), Turkey (X tons) and Egypt (X tons), together comprising 95% of total production. These countries were followed by Syrian Arab Republic and Morocco, which together accounted for a further 3.7%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were in Morocco (with a CAGR of +3.1%), while production for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In 2021, the average yield of walnuts in MENA was estimated at X tons per ha, surging by 4.4% on the previous year's figure. The yield indicated notable growth from 2012 to 2021: its figure increased at an average annual rate of +3.5% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, walnut yield decreased by -24.2% against 2017 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 19%. As a result, the yield attained the peak level of X tons per ha. From 2018 to 2021, the growth of the walnut yield remained at a somewhat lower figure. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

The walnut harvested area fell to X ha in 2021, reducing by -7.2% compared with the previous year's figure. Overall, the harvested area recorded a slight downturn. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 when the harvested area increased by 19%. The level of harvested area peaked at X ha in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the harvested area remained at a lower figure.

Walnut Exports

Exports in MENA

In 2021, exports of walnuts in MENA expanded modestly to X tons, growing by 3% against the previous year. In general, exports showed a significant expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of 542%. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, walnut exports declined remarkably to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate significant growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of 931% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Turkey was the major exporting country with an export of about X tons, which amounted to 74% of total exports. The United Arab Emirates (X tons) held a 13% share (based on physical terms) of total exports, which put it in second place, followed by Iran (11%).

Turkey was also the fastest-growing in terms of the walnuts exports, with a CAGR of +78.0% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, the United Arab Emirates (+57.6%) and Iran (+4.2%) displayed positive paces of growth. From 2012 to 2021, the share of Turkey and the United Arab Emirates increased by +70 and +11 percentage points, respectively.

In value terms, Turkey ($X) remains the largest walnut supplier in MENA, comprising 82% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the United Arab Emirates ($X), with a 13% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Turkey amounted to +66.7%. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the United Arab Emirates (+52.1% per year) and Iran (-11.8% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in MENA amounted to $X per ton, with a decrease of -23% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price showed a mild slump. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 an increase of 61% against the previous year. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2016 to 2021, the export prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was Turkey ($X per ton), while Iran ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United Arab Emirates (-3.4%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Walnut Imports

Imports in MENA

In 2021, the amount of walnuts imported in MENA surged to X tons, rising by 31% against the previous year. Overall, imports continue to indicate a remarkable increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 when imports increased by 68%. As a result, imports reached the peak of X tons. From 2020 to 2021, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, walnut imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports saw a prominent increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 45%. The level of import peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Turkey (X tons), distantly followed by the United Arab Emirates (X tons), Iran (X tons), Morocco (X tons) and Iraq (X tons) represented the main importers of walnuts, together achieving 94% of total imports. Syrian Arab Republic (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were in Morocco (with a CAGR of +35.8%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest walnut importing markets in MENA were Turkey ($X), the United Arab Emirates ($X) and Iran ($X), with a combined 76% share of total imports. These countries were followed by Morocco, Iraq and Syrian Arab Republic, which together accounted for a further 19%.

Among the main importing countries, Morocco, with a CAGR of +34.9%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The import price in MENA stood at $X per ton in 2021, falling by -7% against the previous year. Overall, the import price showed a pronounced decrease. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when the import price increased by 26% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton), while Turkey ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Syrian Arab Republic (+5.1%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform