Global production of raw cashew estimated to decline by 2 percent
23-May-2025 06:22 PM
Palma. In a meeting of the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council, global production of raw cashew in the 2024-25 season has been estimated to decline by 2 percent compared to the 2023-24 season.
Production is expected to fall by 1 percent in the Northern Hemisphere, while it may increase by 2 percent in the Southern Hemisphere.
There has been a steady rise in cashew processing in African countries, making them important suppliers of processed cashew kernels. Previously, these countries were mainly exporters of raw cashew nuts (RCN).
The global cashew trade is likely to be impacted by the imposition of heavy import duties on Vietnamese products by the United States and the closure of supply sources in China.
It remains to be seen how much India might benefit from this situation, as discussions are ongoing between India and the US for a bilateral trade agreement. India is among the leading producers and exporters of cashew.
Côte d'Ivoire is expected to retain its position as the top producer of cashew during the 2025-26 season, with production forecasted to rise by 4 percent.
Over the past nine years, raw cashew production in Côte d'Ivoire has nearly doubled—from 6.50 lakh tonnes in 2016 to an estimated 12.50 lakh tonnes in 2025-26.
To ensure adequate supply for its local processing industry, the government had temporarily banned raw cashew exports at the start of the season.
In contrast, cashew production in Cambodia is expected to decline by 4 percent. While arrivals decreased in March, they increased significantly in April and surpassed last year’s level.
Cashew is cultivated in approximately 6.33 lakh hectares in Cambodia, and the area under cultivation is expected to grow. A large volume of raw cashew is exported from Cambodia to Vietnam.
India contributed 14 percent to global raw cashew nut production in 2024, but its share in the export of processed cashew was only 5 percent. Notably, 31 percent of global cashew consumption takes place in India. To meet the rising domestic demand, India will need to boost its cashew production.