Cashew nuts market in Mozambique

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, Mozambique's domestic cashew nut market contracted from 119.5 thousand tons to 67.1 thousand tons, primarily driven by rapidly growing exports. This shift resulted from state policies strengthening the value chain, including the establishment of the Mozambique Cashew Nut Institute (IAM) in 2019 and the implementation of producer reference prices. In 2020, despite the COVID-19 pandemic increasing maritime logistics costs by 82%, government support for transport expenses and a clear sales target helped bolster exports, further reducing domestic market volume.

The market recovered to 85.5 thousand tons in 2021 as a 16.2% increase in the producer reference price stimulated production, while export volumes temporarily eased. Growth continued into 2022, reaching 94.8 thousand tons, supported by the operational launch of two new processing factories in Macía and Massinga, which expanded total capacity, alongside farmer training programs. However, by 2023, the market volume fell to 77.7 thousand tons as record exports, facilitated by the new Cashew Law enacted in July 2023 that consolidated the legal framework for the sector, outpaced strong production growth.

Looking ahead to 2024, policy efforts remain focused on supporting producers through reference pricing and expanding export markets, notably via a memorandum of understanding with China to open access for Mozambican cashews. These initiatives aim to deepen value chain integration and enhance the global competitiveness of the country's cashew nut sector.

Production cashew nuts in Mozambique

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Mozambique ranked 8th globally in cashew nut production from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of cashew nuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of cashew nuts, 2017-2020

Cashew nut production in Mozambique rose for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 143.0 K t of cashew nuts, marking a 2.1% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 2.8%, averaging an annualized rate of 0.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 130.0 K t, which saw the largest decline of 6.5%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the highest increase at 7.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Mozambique in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports cashew nuts from Mozambique

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 10 454 t and peaked in 2020 at 75 906 t, representing a 7.3-fold difference. In 2020, cashew nut deliveries from Mozambique totaled 75 906 t, reflecting a significant rise of 139.4% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 48.7%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 203.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Mozambique in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, India and Vietnam dominated the geographical structure of Mozambique's cashew nut exports in kind, jointly accounting for 99.1% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Mozambique in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports hit their lowest point in 2018 at 16 699 K $ US and peaked in 2019 at 87 221 K $ US, showing a 5.2-fold change. In 2020, cross-border shipments of cashew nuts from Mozambique reached 73 687 K $ US, representing a 15.5% drop year-over-year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 60.8%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 422.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Mozambique in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, India (32.3% of exports in value terms), Vietnam (32.2%), and the United States (9.8%) led the ranking of buyers for Mozambique's cashew nuts, with their combined share reaching 74.3% of total exports in value terms.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Mozambique in value, 2017-2020

Imports cashew nuts to Mozambique

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, cross-border shipments of cashew nuts to Mozambique increased. In 2020, imports registered 4 t, indicating a steep gain of 29.6% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 46.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -18.9%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 3 t, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 52.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Mozambique in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa was the dominant supplier of cashew nuts to Mozambique, accounting for 76.0% of total imports in kind, with other countries sharing the remaining volume.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Mozambique in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Mozambique imported 12 K $ US worth of cashew nuts, indicating a decline of 5.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 55.9%, averaging an annualized rate of -23.9%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 11 K $ US, with the largest decline occurring that year at 59.9%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 16.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Mozambique in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, South Africa played the leading role in Mozambique's cashew nut imports in value terms, with a share of 86.4% of total flows, while other markets together accounted for the remainder.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Mozambique in value, 2017-2020