Chinese Walnut Market Update January 2022 Week 1

Exports of walnuts from China definitely increased by 60% in value terms in 2021, even though walnut prices have been at a record low for the first half of the year. Several post-Soviet, Central Asian countries have been the main importers of Chinese walnuts. This led to the country setting new records for the export of in-shell walnuts and kernels.

The exports of kernels doubled over the year to 45-47 thousand tonnes, and the exports of in-shell walnuts have increased by 50% to 110-115 thousand tonnes.

Overall, China made $420 million from the export of walnuts in 2021, bypassing Chile and Ukraine.

It should be noted that there are three countries among the six largest buyers of Chinese walnuts: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia.

 At the same time, the exports of walnuts from China to Russia in 2021 increased by more than 50%.

Unexpectedly, the UAE became the main buyer of walnuts in 2021, having increased imports by 250%. Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are the second and third, respectively.