Statistics from the Customs Department show that in the first 5 months of this year, Vietnam spent nearly 2.1 billion USD to import over 1.32 million tons of cashews. Compared to the same period last year, the volume of imported cashews only increased by 9.1%, but the value rose by nearly 40%.
Vietnam’s import of cashews in May alone reached over 283,000 tons with a value of over 434 million USD. This is a decrease of 41% in volume and 40.7% in value compared to April.
In the first 5 months of 2025, Vietnam imported 1.32 million tons of cashews worth over 2.07 billion USD. This is an increase of 9.1% in volume and 39.9% in value compared to the same period in 2024.
On the contrary, cashew exports reached 1.88 billion USD. Although the result increased by 19.4% compared to the same period last year, the cashew industry has returned to a state of trade deficit.
Vietnam imported 1.32 million tons of cashews in the first 5 months of the year.
Notably, the volume of Cambodian cashews imported to Vietnam has increased dramatically compared to previous years. In the past 5 months, businesses have imported nearly 873,200 tons of cashews, worth over 1.32 billion USD. This is an increase of 15% in volume and 37% in value compared to the same period in 2024. The average import price grew by 19%, reaching an average of 1,517 USD/ton.
In just 5 months of 2025, the import value of cashews from Cambodia was 1.32 billion USD, surpassing the figure of 1.07 billion USD for the entire year of 2024 and nearing the record level of 1.87 billion USD in 2021. Currently, cashews from Cambodia account for nearly 63% of Vietnam’s total import value of this product. Cambodia maintains its position as the main supplier.
In recent years, more than 90% of Cambodia’s raw cashew production has been exported to Vietnam. The main reason is due to logistical advantages, including short transportation time (only 1–2 days) and significantly lower costs compared to importing by sea from other countries. This helps Vietnamese businesses prioritize raw materials from the neighboring country.
In addition to Cambodia, Tanzania has been the second-largest supplier of cashews to Vietnam in the past five months, with a production of over 133,000 tons, valued at over 242 million USD. This is a significant increase of 93% in volume and 179% in value compared to the same period last year. Notably, the import price of cashews from Tanzania increased by 45%, reaching 1,822 USD/ton.
Nigeria ranks third with over 69,000 tons of cashews, worth more than 106 million USD. This is an increase of 67% in volume and 138% in value. The import price also recorded a 42% increase, reaching 1,533 USD/ton.
In 2025, the Vietnam Cashew Association (VINACAS) aims to export 4.5 billion USD of cashews, an increase of 130 million USD compared to 2024. This is an ambitious goal in the context of many fluctuations in prices, logistics, and consumer demand in the world.
To achieve this goal, the industry identifies three key strategic pillars: enhancing product quality, diversifying export markets, and strengthening trade promotion activities.