Walnut Production Around the World 2023 (56 Countries Ranked)

China: The Undisputed Giant of Global Walnut Production

• Produces 1.4 million tonnes annually, representing 36.45 percent of the global walnut supply and establishing undisputed market dominance.
• Cultivates 279,853 hectares of walnut orchards, more than triple the acreage of any other nation, and continues rapid expansion.
• From 2003 to 2023, China’s walnut production increased by 256 percent, a result of both area expansion and improved yield—from 2,186 to 3,932 kilograms per hectare.
• China has consistently exported more walnuts than it consumes domestically, with production exceeding domestic use by over 100,000 metric tons each year for five consecutive years.
• Concentrates production in Shaanxi and Hebei provinces, where mountainous terrain, temperate climate, cold winters, and warm summers create optimal growing conditions.
• Combines traditional agricultural practices with modern irrigation systems, research-driven innovation, and improved walnut varieties for competitive advantage.
• Faced with increasing water scarcity challenges in some northern provinces, requiring strategic water management, and potential yield pressures in the coming decades.

United States: California’s Walnut Dominance and Its Challenges

• The United States produces 747,520 tonnes of walnuts annually from 155,806 hectares, accounting for 19.46 percent of global production.
• California dominates with 420,000 acres of walnut orchards, including 385,000 bearing acres and 35,000 non-bearing acres, concentrated in the Central Valley.
• California walnut yields averaged 4,798 kilograms per hectare in 2023, which remains a top global yield despite recent drought and heat challenges.
• The state saw a 4 percent decline in bearing acreage from 2022 to 2023, largely due to low prices and ongoing water shortages.
• The Chandler variety dominated in California, accounting for 149,716 bearing acres, followed by Tulare at 30,248 acres. This demonstrates the state’s focus on reliable, high-quality production.
• Recovered in 2023 from challenging prior years through favorable growing conditions, including heavy winter rains, adequate snowpack, and normal chilling hours.
• Faces long-term sustainability questions regarding water availability, climate change impacts, and economic viability as growers weigh continued expansion against environmental constraints.

Iran: Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Production

• Iran produced 380,998.54 tonnes of walnuts in 2023 from 61,383 hectares, achieving yields of 6,207 kilograms per hectare, the highest among major walnut producers.
• Iran contributes approximately 9.92 percent of global walnut production, upholding Persian traditions that date back thousands of years.
• Operates established cooperatives, such as Abaran, managing irrigation through traditional qanat systems combined with modern water distribution technologies.
• Key walnut-producing provinces in Iran include Kerman, Zanjan, and Markazi, where diverse climates, volcanic soils, and sunlight underpin productivity.
• Maintains UNESCO-recognized traditional walnut cultivation systems in Tuyserkan, where cultural practices honor walnut heritage and community connections.
• Name old walnut trees with female names like Asieh and Bi-Bi Gol, reflecting deep cultural identity and family relationships with agricultural production.
• Terraced gardens in mountainous Iranian regions utilize dry stone construction in conjunction with advanced soil conservation techniques to sustain walnut cultivation on steep slopes.

Türkiye: Quality and Flavor Recognition Worldwide

• Produces 360,000 tonnes annually from 174,080 hectares, representing 9.37 percent of global production and maintaining a strong international reputation.
• Exports approximately 27 million kilograms of in-shell walnuts valued at nearly $43 million in 2023, commanding premium prices for distinctive flavor.
• Concentrates production in the Anatolia region, where Mediterranean and temperate climate zones combine with rich volcanic soils and abundant sunshine.
• Combines centuries-old traditional cultivation knowledge with modern agricultural practices, balancing heritage methods and efficiency improvements.
• Maintains strong market presence in Middle Eastern countries and regional cuisines, where Turkish walnuts serve essential roles in baklava and savory dishes.
• Achieves competitive advantage through distinctive flavor profile and consistent quality rather than volume-based competition in global markets.
• Faces challenges from climate variability and water availability while maintaining domestic consumption of 55,000 tonnes in the 2023/24 season.

Chile: Southern Hemisphere’s Rising Walnut Star

• Produces 192,000 tonnes annually from 44,626 hectares, achieving 2,057 percent growth since 2003—the fastest expansion of any walnut-producing nation.
• Accounts for 5 percent of global walnut production through rapid strategic expansion driven by the introduction of the California Chandler variety and ideal climate conditions.
• Exports approximately $247 million worth of walnuts in 2023, with a growing market presence in China, Europe, and Turkey, leveraging a counter-seasonal advantage.
• Cultivates Chandler variety, comprising over 70 percent of production, providing bright color, light kernels free of bitter taste, and exceptional one-year shelf life.
• Harvests during counter-seasonal April window while Northern Hemisphere producers store inventory, capturing premium off-season pricing and avoiding direct competition.
• Operates in the central regions around Santiago, characterized by a Mediterranean climate that provides adequate chilling hours, warm and dry summers, and excellent drainage from the nearby Andes Mountains.
• Positions itself strategically for Asian markets, particularly China, through reduced transportation costs and timing advantages over North American and European competitors.

Mexico: Rapidly Expanding Production Capacity

• Produces 167,777.15 tonnes annually from 120,566 hectares, representing 4.37% of global production, with significant expansion potential as the orchards mature.
• Achieved walnut exports of approximately $575 million in 2023, reflecting strategic investments in cultivation across multiple climate-suitable regions.
• Maintains an extensive cultivation area of 120,566 hectares despite modest current yields of 1.392 kilograms per hectare, indicating substantial productivity improvement potential.
• Develops distinctive walnut flavor profile, gaining market recognition in increasingly diverse foreign markets and establishing competitive advantages beyond price competition.
• Possesses a geographic proximity advantage to the lucrative United States market with reduced transportation costs compared to Asian or European competitors.
• Benefits from favorable trade agreements and a diverse geography that offers multiple microclimates, ranging from northern regions with adequate chilling hours to central, moderate-temperature areas.
• Positions itself strategically for North American supply chain integration as younger orchards mature, cultivation expertise develops, and production volumes increase.

Burkina Faso: Africa’s Surprising Walnut Contributor

• Produces 145,136.37 tonnes annually from 98,270 hectares, ranking among the world’s top ten walnut producers despite semi-arid tropical climate conditions.
• Represents 3.78 percent of global production through the adaptation of temperate walnut cultivation to West African climate and environmental conditions.
• Maintains yields of 1.477 kilograms per hectare, modest compared to intensive systems but reflecting realistic productivity in less-developed agricultural contexts.
• Provides multiple agricultural and environmental benefits, including access to groundwater through deep root systems, soil stabilization, and shade provision in semi-arid regions.
• Offers low-input cultivation suitable for smallholder farming systems prevalent throughout Burkina Faso and contributing to rural income generation and food security.
• Serves primarily domestic and regional markets rather than international export channels, supporting local consumption and addressing food security needs.
• Demonstrates walnut crop adaptability to diverse climate conditions beyond traditional temperate zones, with potential for expansion to other semi-arid regions.

Ukraine: European Production Leader Despite Challenges

• Produces 106,120 tonnes annually from just 13,500 hectares, achieving 7.861 kilograms per hectare yields—among the world’s highest and demonstrating exceptional cultivation expertise.
• Represents 2.76 percent of global production while maintaining Europe’s leading position through sophisticated high-density cultivation systems and precision management.
• Achieved walnut exports of approximately $76.8 million in 2023 despite ongoing geopolitical challenges, demonstrating resilient market access and international demand.
• Cultivates on fertile black earth soils with adequate moisture and suitable climate conditions, supplemented by centuries-old traditional knowledge and modern techniques.
• Implements high-density plantings, precision irrigation, and careful variety selection in commercial orchards, reflecting agricultural advancement and optimization practices.
• Produces 78,000 tonnes in the 2023/24 season, with 70,000 tonnes consumed domestically and the remainder exported to European and Middle Eastern markets.
• Maintains walnut cultivation as an important rural income source, particularly in regions where orchards thrive with modest inputs after establishment phases.

Romania: Small Area, Exceptional Yields

• Produces 58,090 tonnes annually from just 3,590 hectares, achieving a world-leading 16.181 kilograms per hectare yield, demonstrating exceptional cultivation expertise.
• Represents 1.51 percent of global production through intensive cultivation systems, maximizing production from limited land area through precision techniques.
• Implements high-density plantings, precision fertilization, advanced irrigation management, and meticulous pest control, reflecting the adoption of sophisticated agricultural technology.
• Benefits from mountainous and hilly terrain, providing diverse growing environments and favorable microclimates supporting exceptional walnut tree development.
• Produces 35,000 tonnes in the 2023/24 season, with 32,000 tonnes consumed domestically and the remainder exported to European markets.
• Serves as an important model for other nations developing efficient and intensive walnut production systems, demonstrating that agricultural expertise can meet optimal conditions.
• Maintains a relatively small cultivation area, suggesting significant expansion potential if economic conditions favor investment in new commercial walnut orchards.

Uzbekistan: Central Asian Walnut Heritage

• Produces 48,386.98 tonnes annually from 5,122 hectares, achieving impressive 9.447 kilograms per hectare yields reflecting ideal Central Asian climate conditions.
• Represents 1.26 percent of global production and is part of the walnut’s native range, where wild and cultivated trees have co-existed for millennia.
• Achieved 234 percent production growth over twenty years through renewed investment in valuable export crops and modern cultivation techniques.
• Benefits from ideal climate conditions, including cold winters providing adequate chilling hours, hot, dry summers, and irrigation access from mountain snowmelt.
• Maintains traditional mixed-system cultivation involving intercropping with other fruit trees, providing ecosystem diversity, multiple income streams, and crop failure resilience.
• Serves both domestic consumption and export markets, particularly to neighboring Central Asian countries and Russia for regional distribution.
• Demonstrates significant expansion potential given the modest current cultivation area of 5,122 hectares and continued global demand growth.

Greece: Mediterranean Walnut Tradition

• Produces 39,580 tonnes annually from 16,740 hectares, representing 1.03% of global production and upholding ancient Mediterranean agricultural traditions.
• Concentrates production in northern regions and mountainous zones where adequate chilling hours during winter support walnut cultivation.
• Implements traditional terraced cultivation practices on hillsides, featuring a diverse mix of fruit trees, which reflects the Mediterranean agricultural diversification approach.
• Benefits from the Mediterranean climate’s advantages, including ample sunshine, moderate rainfall patterns, and rich volcanic soils that support consistent production.
• Achieves yields of 2.364 kilograms per hectare with significant productivity improvement potential through modern intensive cultivation techniques.
• Serves primarily domestic consumption and European regional markets where Greek walnuts are integrated extensively in traditional cuisine and cultural practices.
• Maintains strong domestic demand from the incorporation of walnuts in traditional sweets, savory dishes, and walnut-based spreads, supporting continued cultivation viability.

India: Emerging Production from Mountainous Regions

• Produces 33,000 tonnes annually from 31,000 hectares with 1.065 kilograms per hectare yields, representing 0.86 percent of global production from emerging cultivation.
• Concentrates production in northern mountainous regions, including Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, with adequate chilling hours and suitable environments.
• Implements traditional agroforestry systems combining walnut cultivation with timber production, environmental services, and annual crop intercropping.
• Demonstrates lower per-hectare yields reflecting traditional smallholder farming systems suited to mountainous terrain rather than intensive commercial practices.
• Faces a significant production deficit, with domestic consumption of 28,000 tonnes requiring substantial imports despite domestic production of 33,000 tonnes.
• Experiences growing health consciousness among the expanding middle class, driving increased walnut consumption and rural investment incentives.
• Presents substantial expansion potential, given the long walnut maturation period of 8-10 years before commercial production, which requires patient capital investment.

France: Prestigious European Production

• Produces 31,380 tonnes annually from 26,870 hectares, yielding 1.168 kilograms per hectare, representing 0.82 percent of global production and holding a premium positioning.
• Maintains prestigious protected geographical indication status for the Grenoble and Périgord regions, commanding premium international prices for superior quality.
• Emphasizes a quality-over-quantity production philosophy through careful variety selection, optimized growing conditions, and sophisticated post-harvest handling techniques.
• Exported approximately 24 million kilograms valued at over $58 million in 2023, serving primarily European markets, valuing French agricultural heritage.
• Implements traditional production systems reflecting French agricultural philosophy, emphasizing terroir and traditional practices over intensive commercial approaches.
• Produces 40,000 tonnes in the 2023/24 season, with 38,000 tonnes consumed domestically and modest exports to European markets.
• Demonstrates productivity improvement potential through the application of modern cultivation techniques while maintaining a traditional, quality-focused production philosophy.

Afghanistan: Traditional Production in Challenging Conditions

• Produces 27,000 tonnes annually from 8,000 hectares with 3.375 kilograms per hectare yields, representing 0.70 percent of global production in challenging conditions.
• Achieved a remarkable 592 percent production growth over twenty years despite ongoing conflict and instability, reflecting crop resilience and the importance of rural income.
• Concentrates production in northeastern provinces like Kunar, where mountainous terrain, adequate moisture, and suitable climate create favorable growing conditions.
• Implements traditional cultivation practices with minimal chemical inputs, utilizing mixed agricultural systems and semi-wild growing conditions that are well-suited to resource-limited contexts.
• Provides essential income generation and food security for rural communities through low-input cultivation, which requires minimal purchased inputs once established.
• Serves both domestic consumption and export markets, particularly Pakistan and Central Asian neighbors, supporting regional trade networks.
• Demonstrates significant expansion potential, given its modest current cultivation area of 8,000 hectares, if security improves and development programs support cultivation.

Egypt: Nile Valley Walnut Adaptation

• Produces 24,026.92 tonnes annually from 4,628 hectares with 5.192 kilograms per hectare yields, representing 0.63 percent of global production.
• Concentrates production in northern regions and Nile Valley areas where irrigation systems and climate conditions support temperate walnut cultivation.
• Implements modern cultivation practices, including precision irrigation management, strategic fertilization programs, and improved variety selection for Egyptian conditions.
• Participates in agricultural diversification efforts beyond traditional staples, serving growing urban middle-class demand for nutritious food products.
• Experienced an eight percent production decline over recent decades, reflecting shifting priorities toward more water-efficient crops amid water scarcity pressures.
• Faces strategic water allocation decisions between walnut cultivation and other agricultural activities due to increasing population pressures and concerns about climate change.
• Maintains production viability through efficient irrigation management and value-added positioning in the Egyptian horticultural export economy.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: High-Yield European Producer

• Produces 23,354 tonnes annually from just 2,022 hectares, achieving exceptional 11.55 kilograms per hectare yields—the world’s third-highest productivity among major producers.
• Represents 0.61 percent of global production through intensive cultivation systems, reflecting sophisticated agricultural practices and optimal growing conditions.
• Experienced explosive 1,400 percent production growth since the early 2000s, reflecting the Balkans’ recovery of traditional walnut cultivation traditions.
• Achieves exceptional productivity through careful site selection, modern cultivation practices, favorable microclimates, and hilly terrain, maximizing production per hectare.
• Concentrates production on a limited mountainous land area, allowing significant output from a modest cultivation area, which is crucial for geographically constrained regions.
• Serves primarily domestic and regional Balkan markets where traditional Bosnian cuisine incorporates walnuts extensively in sweet and savory preparations.
• Maintains strong domestic demand, supporting continued cultivation expansion and export opportunities throughout European markets.

Republic of Moldova: Traditional Cultivation Systems

• Produces 20,590 tonnes annually from 26,755 hectares with 0.77 kilograms per hectare yields, representing 0.54 percent of global production.
• Maintains extensive cultivation area suggesting traditional low-density cultivation systems rather than intensive commercial orchard approaches.
• Implements intercropping practices with other agricultural activities or maintains scattered trees on agricultural land reflecting Eastern European farming traditions.
• Produces 19,000 tonnes in the 2023/24 season, consumed entirely domestically or exported to neighboring countries through regional trade networks.
• Demonstrates significant productivity improvement potential through modern cultivation techniques if economic conditions support investment.
• Maintains economically significant walnut production despite modest yields, contributing to rural livelihoods and regional food security.
• Reflects historical agricultural patterns common throughout Eastern Europe emphasizing diversification and mixed-use farming systems.

Argentina: Southern Hemisphere Potential

• Produces 18,509.25 tonnes annually, representing 0.48 percent of global production and the Southern Hemisphere’s second-largest producer after Chile.
• Concentrates production in Mendoza province providing 1,200-1,600 chill hours annually and Mediterranean climate mirroring California’s ideal conditions.
• Benefits from geographic advantages including plentiful accessible groundwater, sandy loose topsoil ideal for walnut roots, and freedom from disease pressures.
• Harvests counter-seasonally from March to May, capturing premium off-season pricing when Northern producers rely on cold storage inventory.
• Positioned strategically for Asian markets through Hong Kong connectivity and Europe via Buenos Aires, developing diverse export channels.
• Demonstrates significant expansion potential given modest current production and international quality recognition increasing market opportunities.
• Maintains disease-free production advantage over Northern Hemisphere producers, supporting long-term competitiveness and market development.

Spain: Growing European Producer

• Produces 17,340 tonnes annually from approximately 12,713 hectares, representing 0.45 percent of global production, with a strong recent expansion trajectory.
• Experienced 53 percent cultivation area growth from 2012 to 2022, with approximately 10,000 hectares producing commercially and generating 16,800 tonnes annually.
• Concentrates production in Extremadura, Andalusia, Castile-La Mancha, and Catalonia regions, where ideal climate conditions support quality walnut cultivation.
• Plants primarily Chandler and Howard California varieties selected for consistent quality and productivity meeting international market standards.
• Achieves an exceptional quality reputation, often surpassing California and Chilean competitors, according to flavor assessments and quality evaluations.
• Harvests three weeks before French walnuts and one month before American production, capturing first-market European advantage during prime selling season.
• Actively promotes Spanish walnut quality internationally through “Nuts of Spain” brand, developing premium positioning and market differentiation strategy.

The Nutritional Power Driving Global Demand

Global Production Patterns and Future Outlook

10 Essential Facts About Global Walnut Production:

• Global walnut production reached approximately 4 million tonnes in 2023, representing an eightfold increase from 497,000 tonnes in 1961.
• China produces 1.4 million tonnes annually, accounting for roughly half of the world’s walnut supply and maintaining the highest cultivation area at 279,853 hectares.
• The United States ranks second with 747,520 tonnes produced in 2023, with California accounting for virtually all American walnut production.
• Iran achieves the highest yields among major producers at 6.207 kilograms per hectare, producing 380,998.54 tonnes from 61,383 hectares.
• Chile experienced the fastest production growth of any nation, with an astonishing 2,057 percent increase since 2003, rising to 192,000 tonnes by 2023.
• Romania demonstrates the world’s highest productivity at 16.181 kilograms per hectare, producing 58,090 tonnes from just 3,590 hectares.
• The top three producing countries—China, the United States, and Iran—account for 65.83 percent of global production.
• Walnuts provide 2.5 grams of omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid per one-ounce serving, the highest content of any tree nut.
• Research indicates that consuming five or more servings of walnuts per week can reduce the risk of mortality by 14% and the risk of cardiovascular disease-related deaths by 25%.
• Global walnut exports expanded from approximately 300,000 metric tons in the mid-2000s to about one million metric tons in recent seasons, representing a 7 percent compound annual growth rate.

Here is a list of 56 countries with walnut Production:

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