The Vietnamese cashew industry has continued to maintain its position as the world’s No. 1 in exports of processed cashew nuts for nearly two decades. However, in addition to domestic supply, Vietnam is also importing from many other markets.
According to statistics from the General Department of Customs, the import of cashews into Vietnam in March reached over 298,000 tons with a value of over 504 million USD. This is a significant increase of 106.9% in volume and 101.4% in value compared to February. In the first quarter of the year, Vietnam imported over 1.6 million tons of cashews with a value of over 430 million USD, an increase of 9.3% in volume and 3.1% in value compared to the same period last year.
In terms of the market, Cambodia is the largest supplier to Vietnam, with over 295,000 tons, worth more than 496 million USD. This is a decrease of 36% in volume and 16% compared to the same period last year. The average price was 1,680 USD/ton, a significant increase of 30% compared to the same period in 2024.
Vietnam has imported nearly 300,000 tons of cashews from Cambodia since the beginning of the year.
Tanzania ranks second with over 126,000 tons, worth over 230 million USD. This result is a significant increase of 100% in volume and a remarkable increase of 188% in value compared to the same period in 2024. The price increased by 44% compared to 2024, reaching 1,824 USD/ton.
Indonesia is the third-largest supplier of cashews to Vietnam, with over 14,000 tons, worth nearly 24 million USD, an increase of 5% in volume but a significant 55% in value. The price increased by 48% compared to 2024, corresponding to 1,696 USD/ton.
Cambodia plays an important role in Vietnam’s cashew industry. Vietnam’s neighbor has 435,733 hectares of cashews with a yield of 508,283 tons by 2022. Also in 2022, Cambodia exported 471,520 tons of raw cashew nuts and earned over 1.07 billion USD. Up to 98.5% of Cambodia’s cashew export volume was sold to Vietnam.
Cashew nuts imported from Cambodia and ASEAN countries have a 0% import tax, while those from non-ASEAN markets have a 5% tax. The Vietnam Cashew Association (VINACAS) aims to achieve an export turnover of 4.5 billion USD by 2025.
The Vietnam Cashew Association (VINACAS) aims to achieve an export turnover of 4.5 billion USD by 2025. To reach this goal, the industry needs to focus on three key points: improving product quality, diversifying markets, and enhancing trade promotion.
In the context of global trade tensions, proactively capturing market information, adjusting business strategies, and investing in deep processing will be crucial.
Maintaining the top position in major markets like Europe amid competition requires the cashew industry to accelerate digital transformation, ensure traceability, and promote the national brand.