In 2024-2025, Ukraine has established itself among the world leaders in walnut production, rising to the fourth position in terms of harvest volume. During this period, Ukrainian producers harvested approximately 101,000 tons of walnuts, which accounts for about 4% of the total global production of this crop.
This is reported by Finway
Main Competitors and Export Markets
Among Ukraine’s main competitors in the global market are China, the United States, and Chile. China leads with a production of 1.5 million tons (56% of the global market), the USA follows with 607,814 tons (23%), and Chile produces 195,000 tons (7%).
In 2023, walnut exports from Ukraine generated $77 million in revenue. A significant portion of the exports—72%—consists of shelled nuts, which have a price that is 300% higher compared to unshelled ones. The main markets for Ukrainian walnuts remain the countries of the European Union (58% of export revenues) and Turkey.
Industry Challenges and Almond Prospects
However, the further development of industrial walnut cultivation is hindered by a lack of quality seedlings. As a result, about 95% of walnuts are grown in private households on small plots, complicating the establishment of large commercial orchards and the development of large-scale production.
At the same time, conditions are forming in Ukraine for the establishment of industrial almond cultivation. The first harvests of this crop have already been obtained in Kirovohrad region, and experimental plantings have also appeared in Odesa, Kherson, and Mykolaiv regions. According to domestic scientists, Spanish almond varieties show good prospects for industrial breeding in Ukraine.
“In 2024-2025, Ukraine reached fourth place in the world for walnut production, harvesting about 101,000 tons. Our country holds a share of about 4% of the world’s walnut production: only China (1.5 million tons, 56% of global production), the USA (607,814 tons, 23%), and Chile (195,000 tons, 7%) produce more.”