Top Tung Nut Producing Countries

The tung nut, harvested from the tung tree (*Vernicia fordii*), is primarily cultivated for its oil, which is valued in wood finishing, paints, and varnishes. The top countries farming tung nut today are China, which overwhelmingly dominates global production, followed by smaller producers such as Argentina, Paraguay, and the United States (notably in the southeastern states). The history of tung nut farming traces back to ancient China, where the tree is native and its oil has been used for centuries in waterproofing and wood treatment. In the early 20th century, tung trees were introduced to the United States and South America as a promising industrial crop, especially during periods when demand for drying oils surged. While American production peaked in the mid-20th century, hurricanes and disease led to a decline, leaving China as the undisputed leader in tung nut cultivation today.

Data from United Nations FAO Stat