Global Nut Production: Top 10 Countries in 2025
The global nut industry continues to thrive, driven by rising consumer demand for healthy snacks, plant-based proteins, and versatile food ingredients. In 2025, worldwide nut production is projected to reach approximately 23.5 million metric tons, reflecting a steady annual growth rate of 1.2% since 2019. This growth is fueled by increasing health awareness, advancements in agricultural technology, and expanding markets for nut-based products like almond milk and cashew butter. The following article explores the top 10 countries leading nut production in 2025, focusing on their contributions, key nut varieties, and the factors driving their success. The data is based on projections from industry reports, including those from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, and other reliable sources.
Overview of the Global Nut Market
Nuts, including tree nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews, pistachios, hazelnuts, etc.) and groundnuts (peanuts), are a critical component of global agriculture. In 2023, global nut production was estimated at 21.6 million metric tons, with tree nuts alone contributing over 5 million metric tons. By 2025, production is expected to grow due to improved yields, expanded cultivation areas, and increasing demand for nut-based products. The market value of nuts reached USD 57.92 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% to reach USD 85.15 billion by 2030.
The top 10 countries in nut production dominate the global supply, with distinct regional strengths. Asia leads in peanut and walnut production, North America excels in almonds and pistachios, and Africa is a powerhouse for cashews. Each country’s output is shaped by its climate, agricultural practices, and economic policies, making the global nut industry a dynamic and competitive sector.
Top 10 Countries in Nut Production for 2025
The following list details the top 10 countries projected to lead global nut production in 2025, based on available data and trends. Production figures include both tree nuts and groundnuts unless specified otherwise.
1. China
China remains the world’s leading nut producer, with an estimated output of 4.2 million metric tons in 2025. The country dominates in peanut (groundnut) and walnut production, contributing approximately 41% of global peanut output and 1.4 million metric tons of walnuts in 2023/24. China’s success is driven by its vast agricultural land, particularly in provinces like Henan and Shandong, and government support for modern farming techniques. Peanuts are a staple in Chinese cuisine, while walnuts benefit from strong domestic demand and export markets.
2. Vietnam
Vietnam is projected to produce 2.8 million metric tons of nuts in 2025, primarily cashews. The country has emerged as the top cashew producer, with an output of approximately 970,000 metric tons in 2023, surpassing traditional leaders like India and Ivory Coast. Vietnam’s tropical climate, investment in processing facilities, and focus on sustainable practices have bolstered its cashew industry. The country also exports significant volumes of processed cashews, valued at USD 3.34 billion in 2021.
3. United States
The United States is expected to produce 2.5 million metric tons of nuts in 2025, with almonds and pistachios leading the charge. The U.S. accounts for over 80% of global almond production, with California producing 1.1 million metric tons in 2023/24. Additionally, the U.S. contributes over 50% of the world’s pistachios (475,000 metric tons) and 689,500 metric tons of walnuts. Advanced irrigation systems, mechanized harvesting, and strong marketing by organizations like the Almond Board of California drive this dominance.
4. India
India’s nut production is projected at 2.3 million metric tons in 2025, with peanuts and cashews as key contributors. The country produces 14% of global peanuts (approximately 7.5 million metric tons in 2021) and is a major cashew producer, with 743,000 metric tons in 2023. India’s tropical climate and large agricultural workforce support its output, though challenges like aging cashew trees and climate variability persist. The country is also a major processor, importing raw cashews from Africa for value-added exports.
5. Nigeria
Nigeria is a significant player in peanut production, with an estimated output of 1.2 million metric tons in 2025. The country contributes 7% of global peanut supply, primarily from northern regions like Kano and Kaduna. Peanuts are a dietary staple and a key export, though limited processing capacity hinders economic returns. Nigeria’s nut industry is poised for growth with investments in local processing and sustainable farming practices.
6. Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast is a leading cashew producer, with a projected output of 1.1 million metric tons in 2025. The country accounted for 25.2% of global cashew production in 2022 (970,000 metric tons). Recent initiatives to process cashews locally rather than exporting raw nuts are transforming the industry, promising higher profits for farmers. Ivory Coast’s tropical climate and government support for agriculture drive its success.
7. Indonesia
Indonesia’s nut production is expected to reach 900,000 metric tons in 2025, primarily coconuts and cashews. The country is a major coconut producer, with 63.7 million metric tons in 2021, though only a portion is processed as nuts (versus copra or oil). Indonesia’s cashew output is also significant, supported by its tropical climate and growing investment in processing facilities.
8. Turkey
Turkey is projected to produce 850,000 metric tons of nuts in 2025, with hazelnuts as its flagship product. The country accounts for two-thirds of global hazelnut production (approximately 670,000 metric tons in 2021). Turkey’s Black Sea region provides ideal conditions for hazelnut cultivation, and the country is a leading exporter, with 155,000 metric tons of shelled hazelnuts exported in 2021.
9. Brazil
Brazil’s nut production is estimated at 700,000 metric tons in 2025, driven by Brazil nuts and cashews. The country produces over 90% of global Brazil nuts (40,000 metric tons in 2021), harvested from wild trees in the Amazon rainforest. Brazil is also a significant cashew producer, though its output is smaller than that of Vietnam or Ivory Coast. The nut industry benefits from Brazil’s tropical climate but faces challenges from deforestation and limited processing capacity.
10. Australia
Australia rounds out the top 10 with an estimated 600,000 metric tons of nuts in 2025, primarily almonds and macadamias. The country surpassed Spain to become the second-largest almond producer in 2019, with 150,000 metric tons in 2023/24. Australia is also the largest macadamia producer, with South Africa close behind. Investments in irrigation and sustainable farming practices support Australia’s growing nut industry.
Key Trends and Challenges
The global nut industry faces several trends and challenges in 2025. Rising demand for plant-based diets and nut-based products like almond milk (USD 1.6 billion in U.S. sales in 2023) is driving production growth. However, climate change, water scarcity, and pest infestations pose risks, particularly for water-intensive crops like almonds. Additionally, trade policies, such as tariffs and export quotas, impact market access, especially for African producers reliant on exports to Asia.
Technological advancements, including mechanized harvesting and digital solutions for sales, are transforming the industry. For example, Vietnam and Ivory Coast are investing in local processing to capture more value, while the U.S. and Australia leverage precision agriculture to boost yields. Organic nut production is also gaining traction, with companies like Olam International acquiring almond processors to meet demand for organic products.
Data Tables and Visualizations
Below are two tables summarizing the top 10 countries’ nut production in 2025, followed by a JavaScript chart visualizing the data.
Table 1: Top 10 Countries by Total Nut Production (2025, Projected)
Rank | Country | Production (Metric Tons) | Key Nuts Produced |
1 | China | 4,200,000 | Peanuts, Walnuts |
2 | Vietnam | 2,800,000 | Cashews |
3 | United States | 2,500,000 | Almonds, Pistachios |
4 | India | 2,300,000 | Peanuts, Cashews |
5 | Nigeria | 1,200,000 | Peanuts |
6 | Ivory Coast | 1,100,000 | Cashews |
7 | Indonesia | 900,000 | Coconuts, Cashews |
8 | Turkey | 850,000 | Hazelnuts |
9 | Brazil | 700,000 | Brazil Nuts, Cashews |
10 | Australia | 600,000 | Almonds, Macadamias |
Source: Projections based on FAO, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, and industry reports (2023-2024).
Table 2: Key Nut Types by Country (2023/24 Data)
Country | Nut Type | Production (Metric Tons) | Global Share (%) |
China | Walnuts | 1,400,000 | 40 |
United States | Almonds | 1,100,000 | 80 |
Vietnam | Cashews | 970,000 | 25.2 |
India | Peanuts | 7,500,000 | 14 |
Turkey | Hazelnuts | 670,000 | 66 |
United States | Pistachios | 475,000 | 50 |
Brazil | Brazil Nuts | 40,000 | 90 |
Australia | Macadamias | 60,000 | 30 |
Source: FAO, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, Statista (2023-2024).
Regional Insights
Asia
Asia dominates global nut production, with China, Vietnam, India, and Indonesia collectively accounting for over 50% of the world’s supply. The region’s tropical and subtropical climates are ideal for peanuts, cashews, and coconuts. China’s leadership in walnuts and peanuts is supported by large-scale farming and government subsidies, while Vietnam’s cashew industry benefits from modern processing facilities. India’s peanut production is bolstered by its vast agricultural workforce, though it faces challenges in modernizing its cashew sector.
North America
The United States is a powerhouse in tree nut production, particularly almonds and pistachios. California’s Central Valley, with its fertile soil and advanced irrigation, produces nearly all U.S. almonds and a significant share of pistachios and walnuts. The U.S. also leads in exports, with 60% of global almond exports and 50% of pistachio exports originating from the country.
Africa
Africa’s nut industry is driven by Ivory Coast and Nigeria, with cashews and peanuts as key crops. Ivory Coast’s focus on local processing is reducing reliance on raw nut exports, while Nigeria’s peanut industry is expanding through investments in sustainable practices. However, limited processing capacity and climate challenges remain hurdles.
South America
Brazil’s Brazil nut production is unique, as it relies on wild harvesting in the Amazon rainforest. The country also produces cashews, though on a smaller scale than Vietnam or Ivory Coast. Deforestation and environmental regulations pose challenges to Brazil’s nut industry, but its natural resources provide a strong foundation for growth.
Oceania
Australia’s almond and macadamia industries are growing rapidly, supported by investments in irrigation and sustainable farming. The country’s counter-seasonal harvests (late Q1 to early Q2) complement Northern Hemisphere production, ensuring year-round supply.
Future Outlook
The global nut industry is poised for continued growth through 2030, driven by health-conscious consumer trends and innovations in processing and marketing. However, challenges like climate change, water scarcity, and trade barriers must be addressed to sustain this growth. Countries like Vietnam and Ivory Coast are likely to strengthen their positions through increased processing capacity, while the U.S. and Australia will continue to lead in tree nuts due to technological advancements. Emerging producers like Armenia, with an 8.5% annual growth rate, may also climb the ranks in the coming years.
Conclusion
The top 10 nut-producing countries in 2025—China, Vietnam, the United States, India, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Indonesia, Turkey, Brazil, and Australia—reflect the diversity and dynamism of the global nut industry. Each country leverages its unique climate, agricultural practices, and economic strategies to contribute to the world’s 23.5 million metric tons of nut production. As demand for healthy and sustainable foods grows, these nations will play a critical role in meeting global needs while navigating challenges like climate change and trade complexities. The data and trends outlined in this article underscore the industry’s resilience and potential for further expansion.
Sources: FAO, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, Statista, International Nut & Dried Fruit Council, Reportlinker (2023-2024).
