Shelled cashew nuts market in Eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market volume for shelled cashew nuts in Eastern Asia grew from 27 145 t to 48 281 t. This initial expansion was primarily driven by rising consumer demand fueled by increasing health awareness, a key factor noted in 2018. The release of technical storage specifications for nuts and seeds in 2020 helped improve product quality and reduce losses, supporting market availability.

Growth continued through 2021 to 2023, with the market reaching 67 379 t in 2023. Intensifying competition within the processing industry in 2021 pushed for market improvements, while the rapid expansion of the Chinese market and surging imports in 2022 directly increased supply. Health-conscious consumption trends, including a preference for additive-free and low-sugar products, along with the emergence of alternative products like cashew milk, further spurred demand in 2023.

In 2024, several factors shaped the market landscape. The Ministry of Agriculture introduced an electronic license system to streamline administration, while new traceability guidelines for imported nuts and seeds enhanced safety controls. Weather-related issues in Côte d'Ivoire, a key global producer, led to purchasing restrictions and export bans, impacting global supply chains and prices. Concurrently, the industry in China focused on quality enhancement, brand building, and sustainable practices, supported by the enactment of the Food Security Guarantee Law to strengthen agricultural production foundations.

Production shelled cashew nuts in Eastern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of shelled cashew nuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of shelled cashew nuts, 2017-2020

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. Production volumes reached their lowest point in 2018 at 2 070 tonnes, then climbed to their peak in 2020 with 4 832 tonnes of shelled cashew nuts produced in Eastern Asia. This represents a 24.1% increase compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 14.0%, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2019 at 88.2%. Overall, the difference between the minimum and maximum volumes was 2.3-fold.

Annual dynamics of production in Eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Eastern Asia's shelled cashew nuts production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 33 395 thousand US dollars, which is 15.3% higher than in 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 19 232 thousand US dollars. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 60.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 17.0%. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 7.7%, while the most significant increase was in 2019 at 50.6%.

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

Exports shelled cashew nuts from Eastern Asia

Exports in kind, t

Eastern Asia's shelled cashew nuts exports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 127 tonnes, which is 43.2% less than the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 62%, with a compound annual growth rate of -27.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, shelled cashew nuts from Eastern Asia were supplied to a diverse range of markets. Vietnam accounted for 28.5% of exports in kind, Malaysia for 8.1%, and India for 5.2%. Together, these three countries represented 41.9% of total exports, while many smaller destinations made up the remaining 58.1%.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Shelled cashew nuts deliveries from Eastern Asia declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 0.9 million US dollars, down by 47.2% compared to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 69.7%, equating to an annualized rate of -32.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam, Malaysia, and India played notable but not dominant roles as buyers of shelled cashew nuts from Eastern Asia in value terms. Vietnam accounted for 24.7% of exports, Malaysia for 7.7%, and India for 6.8%. Their combined share reached 39.1% of total exports, with other markets contributing the remainder.

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

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

Imports shelled cashew nuts to Eastern Asia

Imports in kind, t

Shelled cashew nuts volumes in Eastern Asia increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totalled 43 576 tonnes, which is 11.6% higher than the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 128.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 31.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Vietnam and India dominated imports in kind, accounting together for 96.0% of total flows. Other destinations had smaller individual contributions during this period.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year gain, imported shelled cashew nuts volumes in Eastern Asia declined. In 2020, Eastern Asia imported 278.7 million US dollars of shelled cashew nuts, reflecting a moderate year-on-year drop of 6.3%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 297.5 million US dollars. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 37.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 11.2%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 21.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam and India continued to lead the list of markets for imports in value terms, together accounting for 96.3% of total flows. Other partners played a supplementary role during this period.

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

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