Market
Shelled raw walnuts (HS 080232) in Australia sit in a mixed domestic production and import supply model. New South Wales DPI notes large walnut orchards in the Goulburn Valley (Victoria), the Riverina (NSW) and Tasmania, with harvest timing varying by climate and cultivar. UN Comtrade data via the World Bank WITS portal indicates Australia was a net importer of shelled walnuts in 2024, with imports substantially exceeding exports. Disease pressure is a material domestic supply risk, with Hort Innovation launching a national project in 2025 to address walnut blight and reduce substantial yield losses.
Market RoleNet importer with domestic production
Domestic RoleDomestic consumption and ingredient market supplied by local orchards and imports
Market GrowthGrowing (medium-term outlook)orchard expansion and increased industry scale over the last decade
SeasonalityAustralian walnut harvest is concentrated in autumn (notably March–April in Tasmania), while kernels are available year-round due to storability and imports.
Risks
Biosecurity HighAustralia’s biosecurity regime can block or severely delay shelled walnut consignments if pests/contaminants (e.g., live insects, soil, or other biosecurity risk material) are detected or if the shipment does not meet the specific BICON import conditions for the commodity form and origin; DAFF guidance indicates non-compliance can prevent clearance and may trigger treatment, re-export, or destruction at the importer’s cost.Confirm the exact BICON case for the walnut product form and origin before contracting; implement pre-shipment cleanliness and pest-control checks, and align exporter documentation and packaging to DAFF requirements.
Regulatory Compliance MediumIncorrect allergen declarations for walnut-containing foods or misalignment with Australia’s updated plain-English allergen labelling requirements can prevent sale and lead to enforcement action; FSANZ notes the new format applies from 25 February 2024 with a stock-in-trade transition ending 25 February 2026, and DAFF has issued importer notices on mandatory allergen labelling.For packaged products, validate labels against FSANZ allergen requirements (including the separate 'Contains' statement and the required name 'walnut') and keep evidence of compliant labelling for imported lots.
Plant Disease MediumDomestic walnut supply and quality can be disrupted by walnut blight; Hort Innovation (2025) describes walnut blight as destructive and associated with substantial yield losses, with existing chemical control becoming less effective and more costly.Diversify sourcing across Australian regions and import origins; require supplier disease-management plans and post-harvest drying/handling controls to protect kernel quality.
Trade Dependence MediumAustralia is structurally import-dependent for shelled walnuts: UN Comtrade via WITS shows 2024 imports materially exceeded exports for HS 080232, increasing exposure to overseas crop variability, pricing, and supplier concentration (notably the United States as the largest source).Maintain multi-origin supplier qualification (e.g., US plus secondary origins such as Vietnam/China/Chile/Canada) and use forward contracts or buffer inventories where feasible.
Logistics MediumAs an import-linked product typically shipped by sea, shelled walnut supply into Australia can be disrupted by ocean freight volatility and schedule delays, which can compress importer margins and reduce continuity of supply.Plan replenishment with longer lead times, use contracted freight where possible, and maintain safety stock for key SKUs or industrial users.
Sustainability- Walnut blight management pressure: Hort Innovation notes chemical-based controls have become increasingly ineffective and costly, and a national project was launched in 2025 to develop sustainable management strategies.
FAQ
Is Australia a net importer of shelled raw walnuts?Yes. UN Comtrade data presented via the World Bank WITS portal (HS 080232) shows Australia imported about USD 26.34 million of shelled walnuts in 2024 versus exports of about USD 3.66 million, indicating net-importer status.
When is the main Australian harvest season for walnuts, and are kernels available year-round?Tasmanian Grown states Tasmanian walnuts are typically harvested in March and April, and notes they store well and are available year-round. Australia also supplements supply with imports, as reflected in UN Comtrade trade flows via the World Bank WITS portal.
What are the key compliance points for selling walnut products in Australia?FSANZ states imported foods must comply with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code and strict biosecurity requirements. FSANZ also explains that allergen labelling rules require walnuts to be declared and that the updated plain-English allergen format applies from 25 February 2024, with a sell-through period for older labels until 25 February 2026; DAFF importer notices highlight these mandatory allergen labelling requirements for imported foods.