Coconuts, Brazil nuts and cashews market in Brazil

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the market volume for coconuts, Brazil nuts and cashews in Brazil remained relatively stable, hovering around 2.5–2.6 million tons. Early in the period, the state of Ceará reported an 18.2% increase in cashew exports during the first four months of 2018, supported by international business centers helping local companies access foreign markets. By 2020, Brazil's dependence on imports for cashew processing continued, even as the country lost share in the global processed cashew market due to international competition.

A significant expansion occurred in 2022–2023, with market volume rising to 2.93 million tons in 2022 and 3.06 million tons in 2023. This growth was primarily fueled by a 33% surge in cashew production in 2022, attributable to favorable weather conditions and water infrastructure projects in the Northeast region. At the same time, domestic consumption trends shifted toward nutrition, health, and convenience, boosting demand for cashew-based products such as vegan milk and cheese alternatives. In 2023, exports of coconut water and fruits from Ceará jumped 44–45% in value, further stimulating the national market.

In 2024, the market saw the launch and consolidation of ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages made from cashew apple, utilizing a byproduct that previously had limited value. This innovation provided additional income for small farmers. Brazilian cashew exporters also focused increasingly on the domestic market, with over 77% of production retained locally, reflecting a strategic shift toward value-added products and home consumption.

Production coconuts, Brazil nuts and cashews in Brazil

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Brazil was among the world's leading producers of coconuts, Brazil nuts, and cashews from 2018 to 2021, ranking fourth globally by production volume.

Top producers of coconuts, Brazil nuts and cashews, 2018-2021

World map of production of coconuts, Brazil nuts and cashews, 2018-2021

Brazil's production of coconuts, Brazil nuts, and cashews increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 2 609 thousand tons, showing only a marginal fluctuation compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 3.5%, which translates to an annualized rate of 1.1%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 2 520 thousand tons. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 0.0%, while the most significant increase was in 2020, at 3.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

After a two-year contraction, the production value of coconuts, Brazil nuts, and cashews in Brazil increased. In 2021, the output was valued at 13 828 million US dollars, marking a 16.6% rise compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, however, production value decreased by 11%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 11 855 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 18.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Brazil in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports coconuts, Brazil nuts and cashews from Brazil

Exports in kind, t

Following a two-year decrease, Brazil's cross-border shipments of coconuts, Brazil nuts, and cashews increased. In 2021, exports reached 26 288 tons, representing a gain of 6.1% from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 7.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.7%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 24 780 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 12.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Brazil's exports of coconuts, Brazil nuts, and cashews in kind were distributed across numerous markets. The United States accounted for 26.8% of these exports, Peru for 14.7%, and Bolivia for 7.2%. Together, these three countries represented 48.8% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Brazil in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

After a two-year fall, Brazil's exports of coconuts, Brazil nuts, and cashews in value terms increased. In 2021, exports amounted to 139.3 million US dollars, up by 23.6% compared to the prior year. However, from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 20.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -7.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 112.7 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 21.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Brazil in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Throughout 2018 to 2021, the United States was the leading market for Brazil's exports of coconuts, Brazil nuts, and cashews in value terms, accounting for 36.7% of total exports. The Netherlands followed with 9.3%, and Canada with 8.1%. These three countries together formed the core group, representing 54.1% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Brazil in value, 2018-2021

Imports coconuts, Brazil nuts and cashews to Brazil

Imports in kind, t

Brazil's imports of coconuts, Brazil nuts, and cashews in kind declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country imported 9 878 tons, reflecting a sharp decline of 32.5% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 55.6%, equating to an annualized rate of -23.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Indonesia was the top supplier of coconuts, Brazil nuts, and cashews to Brazil in kind, accounting for 46.7% of imports. The Philippines followed with 24.6%, and Côte d'Ivoire with 17.0%. Together, these three countries dominated the import structure, with a combined share of 88.3% of total imports in kind.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Brazil in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

Brazil's imports of coconuts, Brazil nuts, and cashews in value terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country imported a total of 19.1 million US dollars, down by 6.5% compared with 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 54.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -23.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Brazil in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Indonesia consistently led as the primary supplier of coconuts, Brazil nuts, and cashews to Brazil in value terms, accounting for 39.3% of imports. The Philippines followed with 30.6%, and Côte d'Ivoire with 12.3%. These three countries jointly accounted for 82.2% of total import flows in value terms.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Brazil in value, 2018-2021