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China's walnut season faces inventory issues at the outset, while Ukraine's outlook shows slight improvement compared to last year

Pubtime:2025-10-10Author:Source: Hits:
In China, the walnut bearing area in major producing regions such as Xinjiang, Hebei, Sichuan, and Yunnan remains largely unchanged from last year. Many exporters have begun purchasing walnuts from the new season. The price for Xinjiang 185 variety in-shell walnuts ranges between $2,000 and $2,100 per ton. With most of the 2024 inventory already depleted, selling prices remain relatively high. In-shell walnuts began shipping in September, with 185 variety kernels expected to hit the market in late September or early October. Mixed varieties of Xinfeng walnuts are already available, with kernel shipments starting mid-September. However, the new “Xin'er” variety is not expected until late September, with shipments commencing in the latter half of October. Similarly, Yunnan kernel prices are anticipated to be announced in late September. With no current inventory, prices will exceed current levels. According to Farmerland's recommendation, buyers are advised to wait for the concentrated arrival of new shipments. Ukraine's walnut production is projected to exceed last year's levels.

The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service's recent Ukraine “Tree Nuts Annual Report” forecasts walnut production at 100,500 tons for the 2025/2026 marketing year (beginning in September). This is slightly higher than the 98,640 tons estimated for 2024/2025. However, these figures represent rough estimates rather than official statistics, as walnuts in Ukraine are primarily cultivated by individuals or small family farms. Yields have been declining due to the failure to replant old trees after felling on private land. It is estimated that these small producers account for up to 80% of walnut trees bearing fruit. Commercial production is also shrinking as farmers shift toward faster-return annual crops due to a lack of long-term investment caused by Russia's hostile invasion. On the international market, Ukrainian exporters face increasing difficulty competing with major global producers like the United States, China, Chile, or Mexico. During the 2024/2025 sales year, exports fell to their lowest level in 15 years due to quality issues stemming from water shortages. However, quality is expected to improve this sales year, which should boost exports. Harvesting will commence in late September and continue through late October.