Russia is entirely dependent on imports of tree nuts to meet growing domestic demand. In 2012, Russia set a new record by importing 88,597 metric tons (MT) of tree nuts valued at over $425 million - a 1.2 percent increase in volume and 8.75 percent in value terms over 2011. Import volume growth slowed down in 2012 due to the significant decline in supply of Iranian pistachios and Ukrainian walnuts. California almonds and pistachios and Turkish hazelnuts increased exports and closed the growing demand for nuts from the retail and food processing sectors. In 2012, U.S. tree nut sales to Russia grew by 26% and set a new record of $143.7 million, covering 94% of almond market and 26% of pistachios.
The trend is continuing in 2013. In the first half of 2013, U.S. tree nut exports have increased 57 percent compared to the same period in 2012. The United States is the largest supplier to Russia, and currently has surpassed 50 percent market share.
