As of now, Vietnam leads the world in cashew exports and is witnessing a sharp increase in raw material imports this year, mainly from Cambodia and African countries.
According to preliminary statistics from the Customs Department, Vietnam imported over 272 thousand tons of cashew nuts in September, worth more than 401 million USD — a slight increase of 0.6% in volume and 1.8% in value compared to the previous month.
In total, over the first three quarters of the year, the country spent more than 3.7 billion USD importing cashew nuts, with a volume exceeding 2.4 million tons — up 12.4% in quantity and a significant 38.9% increase in value compared to the same period in 2024.
In terms of market share, Cambodia is currently Vietnam’s largest supplier of cashew nuts, with over 951 thousand tons valued at more than 1.4 billion USD — an increase of 18% in volume and 38% in value compared to the same period last year. The average import price reached 1,515 USD per ton, up 26% from the first nine months of 2024.
Côte d'Ivoire ranks second, supplying over 542 thousand tons worth more than 822 million USD — up 13% in volume and 42% in value year-on-year. The average price also rose 26%, reaching 1,515 USD per ton.
Ghana is the third-largest supplier by volume, with over 204 thousand tons worth more than 302 million USD. However, this represents a 19% drop in volume but a 5% increase in value compared to the same period. The average price rose 30% to 1,479 USD per ton.
Cambodia has become a strategic source of raw materials for Vietnam’s cashew industry due to its geographic proximity and the compatibility of its nut quality with the requirements of domestic processing plants. Many Vietnamese enterprises have expanded investment in raw material zones in eastern Cambodian provinces to ensure a stable supply.
Vietnam currently accounts for about 80% of the global market share in cashew kernel exports, supported by a network of over 500 processing facilities, mainly located in Binh Phuoc, Dong Nai, Binh Duong, and the Central Highlands. Large-scale imports of raw cashews from Cambodia and Africa help maintain year-round production, as domestic cashew cultivation only meets part of the demand.
The sharp rise in raw cashew prices in 2025 stems from multiple intertwined factors. Firstly, supply in major West African producing countries has declined significantly due to prolonged drought conditions and rising agricultural input costs, leading to reduced harvests. Additionally, growing demand for raw cashews for processing and export in major hubs like Vietnam, India, and Côte d'Ivoire has intensified competition in the raw material market.
Beyond supply and demand, logistics and shipping costs from Africa to Asia remain high due to container shortages and increased insurance fees, further pushing up import prices. At the same time, the consumption trend for nutritious nut products — especially in the U.S., Europe, and China — is recovering after a period of decline, driving up finished cashew kernel prices and, in turn, raising raw cashew prices.
Despite rising raw material costs, demand from key markets such as the U.S., EU, and China remains stable, helping Vietnam maintain its position as the world’s leading cashew processing and exporting hub.
Như Quỳnh (via An ninh Tiền tệ)
Source: CafeF
