Market
Turkey is a major walnut producer but remains a net importer because domestic demand outpaces local supply. Production is geographically dispersed, with commercial output led by Kahramanmaras, Bursa, Bilecik, Denizli and other western and interior provinces; Chandler has become the most popular commercial variety. The market is also shaped by high import protection, a duty-free inward processing route for re-export, and steady downstream use in baklava, bakery and confectionery.
Market RoleMajor producer and net importer
Domestic RoleHousehold snack and confectionery ingredient market with strong domestic demand
Market GrowthGrowing (medium-term)Expanding orchard area but uneven output
SeasonalityHarvest is concentrated in late summer and autumn, with early cultivars starting in August and most commercial picking in September-October.
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighTurkey raised the customs duty on imported walnuts to 20 percent from February 1, 2026 and also increased the AFRT, so landed cost can jump sharply, especially for shelled walnuts and non-preferential origins.Price contracts using current duty and AFRT tables, verify origin eligibility, and check whether IPR or preferential treatment applies before booking.
Climate MediumWalnut output is weather-sensitive; USDA reported that warmer-than-normal June and July weather and hail in several provinces limited the 2024/25 crop, showing how quickly supply can be disrupted.Diversify sourcing across provinces and keep inventory buffers around weather-sensitive periods.
Food Safety MediumShelled walnut quality can deteriorate quickly if storage is too warm or humid, and Turkish studies have found aflatoxin can occur in walnuts on the market, so monitoring is needed.Specify moisture limits, warehouse conditions, and lot testing for aflatoxin and rancidity before acceptance.
Market / Price Volatility MediumDomestic production has not kept pace with consumer demand, so prices can move quickly with import duty changes, inflation, and supplier switching between China, the United States, Chile, and other origins.Keep supplier optionality and reprice with customs policy updates.
Sustainability- Water availability for orchard establishment and productivity
- Weather volatility from heat and hail
- Input-cost pressure in expanding orchards
Labor & Social- Seasonal harvest labor availability
- Worker and farm-management cost pressure
- Profitability pressure on smaller orchards
FAQ
Is Turkey a net importer or exporter of walnuts?Turkey remains a net importer. Local traders bring in walnuts, process and pack them, and some of that volume is re-exported.
Which walnut variety is most common in Turkey?Chandler is the most popular commercial variety. Local cultivars such as Maras 18, Bilecik and Sebin still matter in domestic orchards.
What is the current import duty on walnuts in Turkey?The customs duty on imported walnuts was raised to 20 percent from February 1, 2026, and an additional AFRT also applies.
When is the walnut harvest in Turkey?Harvest is concentrated in September and October, with some early cultivars starting in August.