India’s tree nut imports remain high as domestic supply stays limited

India will remain heavily reliant on imported almonds, walnuts and pistachios in the 2026/27 marketing year, with domestic production unable to cover demand, according to a new report from the US Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA FAS).

Almonds

FAS New Delhi forecasts India’s almond production at 3,900 tonnes on a shelled basis in 2026/27. Commercial output remains small compared with the size of the domestic market.

Almond imports are projected at 187,000 tonnes for the same period. This compares with the 190,000 tonnes that FAS had initially forecast for 2025/26.

India’s limited local supply means imported almonds continue to account for the bulk of consumption.

Walnuts

Walnuts show a similar dependence on international supply. FAS expects India to import 69,000 tonnes in 2026/27.

Domestic walnut production remains limited, leaving imports important for meeting demand. The market includes both in-shell walnuts and kernels used for direct consumption, cooking and other food applications.

Pistachios

India has virtually no commercial pistachio production, making the segment almost entirely dependent on overseas suppliers.

FAS forecasts pistachio imports at 62,000 tonnes in 2026/27, compared with the 55,000 tonnes projected in its previous annual report for 2025/26.

source and photo: fas.usda.gov