We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry. current time
Chile’s Walnut Trade Takes a Turn as Asian Demand Strengthens
Chile’s walnut export market is showing a clear divergence between in-shell and shelled shipments, with demand patterns varying sharply across regions. Data from ChileNut’s July 2026 shipment report shows that exports of in-shell walnuts weakened considerably, while shelled walnut shipments recorded solid growth.
In-shell walnut exports fell 31 per cent in July to 9,900 tonnes, compared with 14,337 tonnes during the same month last year. In contrast, shelled walnut shipments increased 16 per cent to 5,422 tonnes from 4,684 tonnes a year earlier. On an in-shell equivalent basis, July exports were 24,432 tonnes, down 12 per cent from the previous year.
The broader season reflects a similar pattern. Between April 2025 and July 2026, total exports on an in-shell equivalent basis stood at 70,221 tonnes, 3 per cent below the 72,709 tonnes recorded during the corresponding period of the previous season. The decline in overall shipments has been contained by stronger demand for processed, shelled walnuts.
Asia and Oceania have emerged as the most important growth region for Chilean in-shell walnuts. Shipments to India jumped 90 per cent, restoring the country’s position as Chile’s dominant trading partner. India had also ranked first in the previous season, although volumes were considerably lower at that time.
The regional picture has otherwise changed significantly. Exports to Vietnam dropped 48 per cent, but the combined Asia-Oceania market expanded 78 per cent to 18,944 tonnes from 10,621 tonnes previously.
Europe, meanwhile, has weakened as a destination. Shipments to Italy declined 6 per cent, while Spain registered a much sharper 46 per cent drop. Most major European markets recorded lower purchases, with Russia standing out as an exception, taking more than twice the volume shipped a year earlier. Total Chilean shipments to Europe fell 15 per cent to 12,965 tonnes from 15,241 tonnes.
The Middle East and Africa recorded an even steeper contraction. Turkey-bound shipments fell 49 per cent and Lebanon declined 38 per cent. Morocco bucked the trend, with purchases more than doubling. Overall shipments to the region dropped by half to 10,579 tonnes from 21,148 tonnes.
The Americas provided another positive signal. Exports to neighbouring Peru increased 17 per cent, while total shipments to the Americas rose 35 per cent to 1,327 tonnes from 981 tonnes.
The latest figures underline a changing destination mix for Chilean walnuts. Weakness in European and Middle Eastern demand is being partly offset by stronger buying from Asia, particularly India, while growing shelled shipments suggest that processed walnut demand is gaining importance alongside traditional in-shell trade.
