Supply complexities and strong demand signal a potential rise in cashew prices

28-Jul-2026 12:07 PM

Mumbai: West African nations hold only limited remaining cashew stocks; Chinese importers are aggressively purchasing Vietnamese cashews, and India, too, lacks substantial inventory. The cashew season in West Africa has reached its final stage, with efforts underway to ship stocks currently held in warehouses near ports; the region primarily exports raw cashew nuts.

Global cashew production is likely to see a smaller decline than initially forecast. While earlier projections anticipated a drop of 375,000–400,000 tonnes, the estimated shortfall is now around 300,000 tonnes. Although production has dipped slightly in Senegal, The Gambia, Brazil, and Indonesia, it is expected to rise to 1.00–1.05 million tonnes in Cambodia—the second-highest level on record.

Cashew prices remain firm across all major producing countries. Prices for high-quality kernels (grading above 43–44 lbs) are reported at $1,400 per tonne, while heavier kernels (46–52/53 lbs) are priced between $1,500 and $1,750 per tonne. Meanwhile, the market in Vietnam remains stable. High transportation costs are keeping cashew prices elevated; however, the price of processed cashews is rising more slowly than that of raw cashews. This has prompted processors to exercise caution, limiting raw cashew imports to match their actual requirements.

Prices for Vietnamese processed cashews remain significantly strong, driven by robust buying from China. Prices are currently ranging from $4.00–$4.30 per lb for W210, $3.45–$3.60 for W240, $4.30–$4.60 for W180, and $3.10–$3.35 per lb for W320. In India, the price of W240 cashews has reached $8,825 per tonne, while W320 is priced at $8,175 per tonne. Domestic demand also remains strong.