In-shell cashew nuts market in Middle Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The in-shell cashew nut market in Middle Africa began the period with a volume of 2 160 t in 2018, supported by the launch of a national development strategy in Cameroon backed by German technical cooperation, which aimed to strengthen local production and sector organization. A minor contraction to 2 100 t followed in 2019, reflecting typical annual fluctuations in agricultural output.

From 2020 to 2022, the market experienced steady, albeit modest, growth, rising from 2 138 t to 2 197 t. This upward trend was sustained by stable domestic production and consistent consumption patterns within the region.

In 2023, the market volume eased slightly to 2 170 t. This coincided with the accumulation of cashew nut stocks in the global supply chain and increased volatility in the nut sector. Additionally, Benin's late entry as an exporter altered competitive dynamics in West Africa, while record raw cashew imports by Vietnam and India intensified demand pressures on African supply origins.

Production in-shell cashew nuts in Middle Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of in-shell cashew nuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of in-shell cashew nuts, 2017-2020

After increasing for two consecutive years, in-shell cashew nut production in Middle Africa experienced a decline. In 2020, production reached 2 144 tonnes, marking a slight decrease of 2.1% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production grew by 2.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.7%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 2 190 tonnes, while the most significant annual increase occurred in 2018 at 2.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Middle Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports in-shell cashew nuts from Middle Africa

Exports in kind, kg

The export market demonstrated considerable volatility during this period. Exports peaked in 2019 before dropping sharply in 2020, with a 5.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Middle Africa's in-shell cashew nut export volume stood at 17 651 kilograms, representing an 80.5% decrease compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Middle Africa in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam, India, and Algeria were the primary destinations for Middle Africa's in-shell cashew nut exports, accounting for 40.4%, 32.1%, and 16.4% of export volumes respectively. Together, these three markets represented 88.9% of total exports during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, the value of in-shell cashew nut exports from Middle Africa reached 5.8 thousand US dollars, reflecting a substantial decline of 89.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export values decreased by 90.9%, equivalent to an annualized decline rate of 55.1%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, the export market in value terms was heavily concentrated, with India and Vietnam together accounting for 85.4% of total export value, while other trading partners represented the remaining share.

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

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

Imports in-shell cashew nuts to Middle Africa

Imports in kind, kg

Import volumes showed significant volatility throughout these years. Imports reached their highest point in 2018 before falling to their lowest level in 2019, with an 18-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, Middle Africa imported 12 000 kilograms of in-shell cashew nuts, representing a dramatic increase of 1,281.3% compared to the previous year. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2019 at 896 kilograms, while the maximum occurred in 2018 at 15 832 kilograms. The most substantial decline took place in 2019, when imports dropped by 94.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Middle Africa in kind, 2017-2020, kg

Between 2017 and 2020, Benin, Portugal, and Mozambique were the leading sources of in-shell cashew nut imports to Middle Africa, representing 22.7%, 18.0%, and 14.3% of import volumes respectively. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 55.0% of total imports during this period.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The import market exhibited notable volatility during the observed period. Import values reached their peak in 2018 before declining to their lowest point in 2019, with a 102-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Middle Africa's in-shell cashew nut imports amounted to 69.8 thousand US dollars, representing an extraordinary increase of 6,024.4% compared to the previous year. The minimum import value was recorded in 2019 at 1.1 thousand US dollars, while the maximum occurred in 2018 at 116.8 thousand US dollars. The most significant decline took place in 2019, when import values fell by 99.0%.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, three key markets dominated Middle Africa's in-shell cashew nut imports in value terms: India, Mozambique, and Portugal. Together, these countries accounted for 78.6% of total import value during this timeframe.

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

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