Many tree nuts have agronomic and economic importance; some have local or regional importance, others have worldwide significance, which is the case for almonds, chestnuts, hazelnuts, and walnuts. This chapter presents a detailed agronomic and economic perspective based on these nuts, namely, the current situation and recent evolution in world production, trade and consumption, including top producers, importers, exporters, and main consumer countries. The research is based on international statistical sources, from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC), mainly from the 2000-2013 period. Statistics show that the position of nuts in the international markets is increasing and will continue to increase in the years to come. Nuts are also becoming more important in the diets of many countries, which has lead to their consumption rising in recent years, a factor probably related to the many reports of their health benefits.
