On Aug. 5, the 2026 CFNA China International Tree Nuts Conference, hosted by the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-Products (CFNA) and organized by the Yiwu Market Development Group, grandly opened in Yiwu.

First launched in 2008, the CFNA China International Tree Nuts Conference has been held in cities including Hangzhou and Ningbo, covering the entire industry chain from nut cultivation and processing to import and export, equipment manufacturing, and brand marketing. As the 19th consecutive annual event and one of the most influential international nut industry gatherings in East Asia, this year’s conference was held in Yiwu for the first time, bringing together over 800 industry guests from more than 20 countries and regions.

Yiwu boasts well-established infrastructure in food distribution, cross-border trade, and cold-chain warehousing and logistics, creating an efficient industry channel that connects global raw materials, Yiwu distribution and national consumption. Data show that in the first half of the year, Yiwu’s nut imports reached 3.1 billion Chinese yuan ($460 million), up 50% year on year, reflecting strong growth momentum. Premium imported nuts such as almonds, cashews, pistachios and pine nuts are distributed nationwide through Yiwu.

This year’s expo featured nearly 110 exhibition booths, showcasing a mix of local Yiwu companies, industry leaders such as Qiaqia Food (洽洽食品), Three Squirrels (三只松鼠), Wolons (沃隆) and Be & Cheery (百草味), and international nut companies including Wonderful Pistachios, Blue Diamond Growers and Turkey’s Tiryaki. International industry associations in attendance included the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council, the Almond Board of California, American Pistachio Growers, the Vietnam Cashew Association, the Cambodia Cashew Association, the Turkish Black Sea Hazelnut Exporters Association and the Iran Pistachio Association.

At the opening ceremony held on Aug. 6, Cao Derong, president of the CFNA, delivered a keynote speech. He noted that China’s nut imports [3] totaled 129,500 metric tons in the first half of 2026, down slightly by 1.42% year on year, while the import value reached $1.064 billion, up 23.38% year on year, reflecting structural optimization. During the same period, nut exports reached 233,000 metric tons, up 6.67% year on year, with the export value hitting $1.09 billion, up 19.1% year on year. This marks the first time in history that the export value has surpassed the import value. It is projected that China’s nut and seed snack market [4] will exceed 320 billion yuan ($47.5 billion) in 2025 and reach 430 billion yuan ($63.8 billion) by 2029.

During the seminar sessions, Goretti Guasch, executive director of the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council, introduced an overview of the council and its global strategic initiatives. Pino Calcagni, second vice chairman of the council, shared insights on the global tree nut trade and market outlook.

Following the sessions, Yiwu’s dried fruit and nut companies held a collective signing ceremony with foreign partners, and Yiwu Market Group also signed cooperation agreements with international partners.

The 2026 CFNA China International Tree Nuts Conference lasted from Aug. 5 to 8, featuring seminars, variety-specific market forums, one-on-one business matching sessions, exhibitions, and post-event site visits, providing a dynamic platform for the nut industry to connect with international markets.

Images: 2026 CFNA China International Tree Nuts Conference