Ukraine is one of the world's leading producers of walnuts, with China being the top producer. The country consistently ranks among the top ten walnut exporters globally, supplying both shelled and in-shell walnuts, though the former is more popular in the European Union (EU).
Since 2014, Ukraine has been a key supplier to the EU market. That year, Ukraine exported 8500 tons of walnuts to the EU, valued at €47.7 million, accounting for 9.2% of the total imported by the EU.
In 2016, while the EU's overall walnut imports grew, Ukraine's share dropped to 5.3% with 6300 tons. However, by 2017, exports rebounded to 9900 tons, making up 7.2% of the EU's imports.
Ukraine's walnut exports continued to grow, peaking in 2021 at 18800 tons, representing 11.7% of the EU's total walnut imports. Despite the challenges of the full-scale war in 2022, Ukraine maintained a significant presence in the EU market (9.2 %), exporting 14700 tons.
In 2023, Ukraine's share in the EU's walnut imports increased to 9.9%, with 13400 tons valued at €47.6 million.
Source: slovoidilo.ua