Coconuts, Brazil nuts and cashews market in Madagascar

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, production of coconuts, Brazil nuts and cashews in Madagascar hovered between 74,000 t and 77,000 t. The sector relied on large historical plantations established in the northern regions, but output faced constraints from persistent challenges such as theft in the fields, premature harvesting, and aging trees. The official relaunch of the cashew sector in 2020, supported by NGO Nitidæ's efforts to renew plantations, aimed to address these issues, yet production dipped slightly that year.

After stabilizing near 74,600 t in 2021, production fell to 71,039 t in 2022 as the industry continued to grapple with insufficient volume and a low level of local processing. A turnaround occurred in 2023, with production rising to 74,671 t and market volume reaching 73,798 t. This recovery was propelled by an ambitious national project, backed by international support from Nitidæ and the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, aiming to position Madagascar among the world's top ten cashew exporters by 2025.

Production coconuts, Brazil nuts and cashews in Madagascar

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of coconuts, Brazil nuts and cashews, 2017-2020

World map of production of coconuts, Brazil nuts and cashews, 2017-2020

Madagascar's production of coconuts, Brazil nuts, and cashews grew for two consecutive years before declining. In 2020, the country produced 74 596 tonnes, marking a 3.1% decrease from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production rose by 12.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 3.9%. The highest production volume was achieved in 2019 at 76 960 tonnes, while the most significant year-over-year increase occurred in 2018 with a 15.8% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Madagascar in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, the value of Madagascar's coconuts, Brazil nuts, and cashews output reached 40 974 thousand US dollars, up 6.7% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, however, the total value declined by 2.1%, averaging a 0.7% annual decrease. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 38 394 thousand US dollars, and the highest in 2018 at 46 135 thousand US dollars. The most substantial drop happened in 2019 with a 16.8% fall, while the largest gain was in 2018 with a 10.2% increase.

Annual dynamics of production in Madagascar in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports coconuts, Brazil nuts and cashews from Madagascar

Exports in kind, t

Madagascar exported 1 822 tonnes of coconuts, Brazil nuts, and cashews in 2020, representing a sharp 57.9% decline compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 59.9%, equating to an average annual decrease of 26.3%. The only notable increase during this period was in 2019, when exports grew by 28.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Vietnam and India were the dominant markets for Madagascar's exports of coconuts, Brazil nuts, and cashews in volume terms. These two countries accounted for the majority of shipments, while other destinations played relatively minor roles individually.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, the value of Madagascar's coconuts, Brazil nuts, and cashews exports totaled 1 001 thousand US dollars, down 53.7% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 span, export value decreased by 65%, averaging a 29.6% annual decline. The only year with an increase was 2019, which saw a modest 7.2% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam, India, and France were the key partners for Madagascar's exports of coconuts, Brazil nuts, and cashews in value terms. Vietnam accounted for 36.7% of export value, India for 31.2%, and France for 26.5%. Together, these three countries represented 94.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports coconuts, Brazil nuts and cashews to Madagascar

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes of coconuts, Brazil nuts, and cashews into Madagascar showed considerable volatility during the observed period. In 2020, imports stood at 11 tonnes, a 14.5% decrease from 2019. The peak was in 2018 with 33 tonnes, while the lowest point was in 2019. The difference between these years was 2.9-fold. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 59.8% drop, and the most significant increase was in 2018 with a 148.9% surge.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Indonesia, France, and South Africa were the primary sources for Madagascar's imports of coconuts, Brazil nuts, and cashews in volume terms. Indonesia led with 58.5% of import volume, followed by France at 11.2% and South Africa at 7.8%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 77.5% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of imports for coconuts, Brazil nuts, and cashews into Madagascar displayed an unstable trend from 2017 to 2020. In 2020, imports amounted to 40 thousand US dollars, a 47.4% increase from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 27 thousand US dollars, and the highest in 2018 at 79 thousand US dollars, resulting in a 2.9-fold difference between these years. The most substantial decline was in 2019 with a 66.0% drop, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 125.5% rise.

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

During 2017-2020, Indonesia, France, and South Africa were the main destinations for Madagascar's imports of coconuts, Brazil nuts, and cashews in value terms. Indonesia accounted for 50.6% of import value, France for 18.3%, and South Africa for 12.2%. Together, these three countries represented 81.0% of total import flows.

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

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