Shelled cashew nuts market in India

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the market volume for shelled cashew nuts in India fluctuated, starting at 432.8 thousand tons in 2018, dipping to 403.8 thousand tons in 2019, before recovering to 417.4 thousand tons by 2021. The initial decline coincided with a contraction in exports due to high processing costs and growing international competition. In 2020, post-pandemic transport and logistics disruptions increased costs and delayed shipments, which, alongside adverse climate effects like heatwaves and floods reducing yields, constrained export volumes and supported domestic availability. Concurrent government initiatives to expand cashew cultivation area and promote exports through the Cashew Export Promotion Council helped stabilize production.

The market surged sharply in 2022, reaching 582.7 thousand tons—a 39% increase from the prior year. This jump was largely driven by a production spike to 626.3 thousand tons, facilitated by ongoing state schemes promoting organic farming methods and the adoption of high-yield varieties. However, in 2023, the market volume receded to 529.8 thousand tons as production fell to 573.9 thousand tons. This decline occurred amidst persistent challenges, including the continued negative impact of heatwaves and floods on crop yields and the industry's high processing costs, which limited profitability.

Throughout the period, domestic demand was bolstered by rising health awareness and disposable incomes, making cashews a popular snack and festive gift item. The market also saw the emergence of new value-added segments, such as cashew powder, butter, and beverages, as well as cashew apple products like juices, diversifying the product range. In some states, the introduction of Minimum Support Price policies influenced retail prices, aiming to protect farmer incomes.

Production shelled cashew nuts in India

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

India was one of the world's top producers of shelled cashew nuts from 2017 to 2020, ranking second globally by production volume.

Top producers of shelled cashew nuts, 2017-2020

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

India's production of shelled cashew nuts declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 461.3 thousand tons, a slight decrease of 1.0% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 8.6%, which translates to an average annual increase of 2.8%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 494.9 thousand tons. The largest drop occurred in 2019 with a 5.9% decline, while the biggest rise was in 2018 with a 16.5% increase.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

India's production value of shelled cashew nuts fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 3 614 million US dollars, showing a modest decline of 6.3% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 20.1%, averaging an annual drop of 7.2%. The peak value was in 2018 at 4 928 million US dollars. The most significant decrease happened in 2019 with a 21.8% fall, and the largest increase was in 2018 with an 8.9% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in India in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports shelled cashew nuts from India

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, India's exports of shelled cashew nuts totaled 51 605 tons, marking a substantial decline of 24.4% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 41.6%, which corresponds to an average annual decrease of 16.4%. The largest drop was recorded in 2018 with a 24.5% decline, while the biggest increase occurred in 2019 with a 2.1% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India exported shelled cashew nuts to numerous countries. Even the top destinations—the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, and Japan—combined accounted for only 44.5% of total exports by volume.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

India's exports of shelled cashew nuts in value terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 404.2 million US dollars, representing a steep decrease of 28.4% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports dropped by 57.1%, averaging an annual decline of 24.6%.

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

During 2017-2020, India supplied shelled cashew nuts to a wide range of markets. The largest destinations—the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, and Japan—together made up just 44.2% of total export value.

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

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

Imports shelled cashew nuts to India

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, India's imports of shelled cashew nuts by volume declined. In 2020, the country imported 3 446 tons, a sharp fall of 44.0% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 23.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -8.4%. The highest import volume was in 2019 at 6 151 tons, and the largest increase occurred that same year with a 31.8% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam remained the primary source for India's imports by volume, accounting for 71.7% of total flows. The remaining volume was distributed among many other countries.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, India's imports of shelled cashew nuts in value terms amounted to 24.3 million US dollars, showing a sharp decline of 40.0% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 40.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -15.9%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 with a 3.3% rise.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Vietnam was the main source for India's imports by value, representing 75.0% of total flows. Other markets contributed smaller shares, forming a diverse group of trading partners.

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

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