Shelled cashew nuts market in Southern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, production of shelled cashew nuts in Southern Asia declined from 505 thousand tons to 471 thousand tons, while market volume saw a slight decrease from 506 thousand tons to 476 thousand tons. This period was marked by high processing costs and increasing global competition for Indian cashew processors, which pressured export revenues. In response, government authorities approved a roadmap in 2021 to expand cashew cultivation area by 120 thousand hectares, aiming to boost future output.

A sharp turnaround occurred in 2022, with production jumping to 630 thousand tons and market volume reaching 636 thousand tons. This surge was directly driven by the implementation of state schemes like MIDH and RKVY, which promoted area expansion and the adoption of high-yield varieties across growing regions. In 2023, production adjusted to 577 thousand tons and market volume settled at 591 thousand tons, as the sector continued to benefit from sustained domestic demand fueled by health awareness and festive gifting traditions.

Production shelled cashew nuts in Southern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of shelled cashew nuts, 2017-2020

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

Southern Asia's production of shelled cashew nuts declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 468.6 thousand tons, marking a slight decrease of 1.0% from 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 9.1%, which translates to an average annual increase of 3.0%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 504.8 thousand tons, with the largest annual increase of 17.6% that year. In contrast, the biggest drop occurred in 2019, when production fell by 6.2%.

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

Exports shelled cashew nuts from Southern Asia

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes of shelled cashew nuts from Southern Asia showed an unstable trend over the observed period. The lowest point was in 2019 at 52 tons, while exports peaked in 2017, creating an 11.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports reached 57 tons, representing a strong increase of 10.5% compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2018, when exports dropped by 80.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main destinations for Southern Asia's shelled cashew nut exports were Vietnam, accounting for 47.5% of exports in volume, the United Arab Emirates with 17.3%, and the Netherlands at 7.3%. Together, these three countries made up 72.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of shelled cashew nut exports from Southern Asia fell for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 555 thousand US dollars, down 0.6% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value decreased by 75.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -37.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the partner structure for exports in value terms was relatively balanced rather than concentrated. Vietnam accounted for 15.4% of export value, the Netherlands for 13.7%, and the United Arab Emirates for 12.8%, together representing 41.9% of total flows. Many other countries contributed the remaining 58.1%.

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

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

Imports shelled cashew nuts to Southern Asia

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes of shelled cashew nuts into Southern Asia displayed volatility during the observed period. The lowest point was in 2017, while imports peaked in 2020, showing a fluctuation of 3.5 times between these years. In 2020, imports amounted to 5 589 tons, a sharp increase of 241.8% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 3.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the leading suppliers of shelled cashew nuts to Southern Asia were Vietnam, with 46.6% of imports in volume, the United Arab Emirates at 11.8%, and Nigeria with 1.9%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 60.3% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of shelled cashew nut imports into Southern Asia showed an unstable trend over the timeframe. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 9 459 thousand US dollars, while imports peaked in 2020, reflecting a 3.4-fold gap between these years. In 2020, import value totaled 32 554 thousand US dollars, a significant gain of 182.5% year-over-year. The largest decline was in 2018, when import value fell by 25.7%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, three key markets—Vietnam, the United Arab Emirates, and Nigeria—together accounted for 63.6% of the total value of shelled cashew nut imports into Southern Asia.

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

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