On October 28, the 14th Vietnam International Cashew Conference (Golden Cashew Rendezvous – GCR 2025) officially opened in Hanoi, under the theme “Overcoming Challenges, Reaching Success.”
Nearly 450 delegates from over 40 countries and territories attended the event. Among them were representatives from international organizations such as the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC), the African Cashew Alliance (ACA), and various national associations and organizations from Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, India, Cambodia, Mozambique, and others.
In his opening speech, Mr. Pham Van Cong, Chairman of the Vietnam Cashew Association (VINACAS), stated that in the first nine months of 2025, despite the significant impact of the U.S. tariff policy adjustments (cashew kernel exports to the U.S. dropped nearly 35% compared to the same period in 2024, reaching only 81,784 tons), thanks to the dynamism of Vietnamese enterprises, exports to China surged by over 31% year-on-year, reaching nearly 113,000 tons. Other markets also saw positive growth. As a result, Vietnam’s cashew industry still achieved nearly 575,000 tons in exports, down only 1.19% compared to the same period in 2024.
Mr. Pham Van Cong, Chairman of the Vietnam Cashew Association (VINACAS), delivered the opening speech at the conference.
According to assessments, in the final months of 2025 and throughout 2026, the cashew industry in Vietnam and other countries will continue to face major challenges stemming from the new U.S. tariff policies — the largest consumer market for cashew kernels globally. Additionally, the impact of global socio-economic fluctuations demands significant efforts from the entire industry.
At the event, reliable information, data, analyses, and evaluations were presented by leading organizations and experts in the international cashew sector. Notably, this year featured a special session decoding U.S. tariff policies affecting the cashew industry. Numerous new opportunities and approaches were introduced, offering more accurate perspectives on business, investment, and innovation. The conference served as a platform where market trends and insights help shape the future of the global cashew industry.
International delegates attending the 14th Vietnam International Cashew Conference
According to the Chairman of VINACAS, in addition to sessions on cashew kernels, raw cashews, quality, and equipment, GCR 2025 featured a special session on industry strategy. This forum brought together leaders of international cashew and nut associations and organizations to share insights, evaluations, forecasts, and solutions aimed at ensuring stable development of the global cashew industry amid global uncertainties.
During the opening session, VINACAS signed memoranda of understanding for cooperation with five regional and national cashew organizations, marking a new milestone in strengthening global cashew industry linkages.
Delegates and businesses explored cooperation opportunities in the cashew industry at the conference.
This year, the prestigious “Dong Son Drum” award — honoring individuals with outstanding achievements and contributions to the development of the cashew industry — was presented by VINACAS to Mr. Ashok Krishen, Chairman of the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC) and Head of Nuts at OFI (Olam).
Over the course of 14 editions organized by VINACAS, Vietnam has become the global hub of the cashew industry. GCR has established itself as a premier event connecting processors, buyers, sellers, and leading partners in the international cashew sector.
The 14th Vietnam International Cashew Conference will continue through October 29.
Farmers in Dong Nai Province harvest cashew nuts
Vietnam has become the world’s leading importer of raw cashew nuts, accounting for over 65% of global raw cashew volume for processing, and over 80% of global cashew kernel exports. In 2024, the cashew industry exported more than 765,000 tons of kernels, generating over USD 4.6 billion in export revenue, ranking among the top processed agricultural export sectors in the country.
By Duc Trung
Source: Sai Gon Giai Phong
