Walnuts are one of the most loved dry fruits in the world. Whether you eat them plain, add them to sweets, or mix them into your breakfast, walnuts are a part of daily life for millions of people. But have you ever wondered which country produces the most walnuts in the world? Here is everything you need to know.
Which Country is the Largest Producer of Walnuts in the World?
Source: Shutterstoc
China is the largest producer of walnuts in the world. According to the World Population Review, China produced about 1.4 million metric tons of walnuts in 2023/2024, making it the leading worldwide producer. China holds over 52 percent of global walnut production, while the United States is the second largest producer, making up about 25.9 percent of global production.
Certain regions of China, including Shaanxi and Hebei, are especially well-suited for walnut cultivation.
READ| Which Country is the Largest Producer of Pistachio in the World?
Top 5 Walnut Producing Countries in the World
Here is a look at the top walnut producing countries as per recent data:
| Country | Walnut Production 2023 |
| China | 1,400,000 |
| United States | 747,520 |
| Iran | 380,999 |
| Turkey | 360,000 |
| Chile | 192,000 |
Why Does China Lead in Walnut Production?
China has maintained its top position for several important reasons:
China's vast agricultural land and favorable growing conditions, especially in regions like Xinjiang and Shaanxi, support extensive walnut cultivation.
China's commitment to agricultural innovation, including precision farming, advanced irrigation, and modern machinery, has significantly enhanced the efficiency and yield of walnut production.
READ| Which State is the Largest Producer of Muskmelon in India?
India's Connection with Walnuts
India does produce walnuts, but not nearly enough to meet its own demand. The major walnut growing states in India are Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh, with Jammu and Kashmir occupying the largest share in total area and production.
The APEDA mentions: “The major growing states in India are Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh. Jammu & Kashmir occupies the largest share in total area and production of walnut.”
However, India relies heavily on walnut imports to meet domestic demand. Chile and the United States are the primary sources of walnut imports for India.
In Indian kitchens, walnuts, known as Akhrot, are commonly used in sweets like halwa, kheer, and dry fruit mixtures, and their popularity is growing steadily among health-conscious consumers across the country.
So the next time you eat a walnut, you know it most likely started its journey in the fields of China, the undisputed walnut capital of the world.
READ| Which State is the Largest Producer of Lychee in India?
