Chilean walnut exports between March 21 and July 31 of this year increased by 15% over the same period of the previous season, going from 64,390 to 73,787 tons in-shell equivalent. Higher demand from Europe and the Middle East offset slower sales in Asia, according to Chilenut's Monthly Shipment Report based on SAG and Frutas de Chile data, and dated August 18, 2025.
In-shell walnut exports increased by 11% (from 43,423 tons to 48,159 tons), and shelled walnut exports (butterfly and pieces) increased by 22% (from 9,602 to 11,738 tons). The average pulp content was 45.8%.
Growth slowed in July. In-shell walnut exports fell by 6% to 14,482 tons, and shelled walnut exports increased by 5% to 4,717 tons. In total, July closed with a 2% decrease to 24,782 tons, indicating a more moderate sales pace.
Europe solidified its position as the main destination, with a 35.5% increase in in-shell walnuts and a 31.3% rise in shelled walnuts. Germany, in particular, stood out (+168% in-shell, +186% shelled). Italy (+39% and +33%) and the Netherlands (+28% and +131%) also showed significant growth. Spain bought 22% more in-shell walnuts but reduced its imports of shelled walnuts.
In-shell walnut exports to the Middle East and Africa increased by 60.8%. Exports to the United Arab Emirates (+493%) and Turkey (+60%) stood out. In contrast, exports to Morocco fell by 60%. Shelled walnut exports to the region declined by 13.6%.
The Asian market shrank by 40.8% for Chilean in-shell walnuts and by 10.2% for shelled varieties. India reduced its imports of in-shell walnuts by 43%, while China recorded no imports at all (compared to 855 tons in 2024). Vietnam was the only exception as its in-shell walnut imports increased by 524%, although this was from an initially low volume.
Within the Americas, sales of Chilean in-shell walnuts increased by 6.2%, while sales of shelled walnuts fell by 15.9%, with varying results in Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru.
The market dynamics in July were as follows: Europe (+17.2% in-shell and +10% shelled), Middle East/Africa (+64.4% in-shell), Asia/Oceania (-43.9% in-shell, with India -48% and China at zero), and America (+5.3% in-shell, -29% shelled).
Source: frutasdechile.cl