Shelled cashew nuts market in Thailand

Earlier Report Observations

The market for shelled cashew nuts in Thailand grew from 11 190 t in 2018 to 15 446 t in 2019, a 38% increase. This expansion was supported by the consolidation of local cashew farmers into groups in Nan province, which improved harvest efficiency and product quality, alongside a 2019 nutritional study published in Current Developments in Nutrition that highlighted the nuts' cardiovascular benefits, boosting consumer demand.

After a contraction to 14 120 t in 2020, the market volume recovered to 14 916 t in 2021 and continued its upward trend, reaching 18 076 t by 2023. The industry's focus on developing processed variants like roasted cashews, combined with the adoption of online marketing and sales technologies, broadened consumer access. Enhanced quality control measures, particularly in moisture management to prevent spoilage, helped sustain product standards and market growth during this period.

Production shelled cashew nuts in Thailand

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand maintained the 9th position globally in terms of shelled cashew nut production volume.

Top producers of shelled cashew nuts, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, Thailand produced 4 691 tonnes of shelled cashew nuts, representing a 4.9% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 6.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.0%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 3 524 tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 4 935 tonnes. The most significant decline occurred in 2018, dropping by 20.2%, whereas the largest increase was in 2019, rising by 40.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Thailand's shelled cashew nut production value increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 46 035 thousand US dollars, up 12.9% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, however, production value decreased by 7.1%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 2.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 37 340 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 24.6% occurring that same year.

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

Exports shelled cashew nuts from Thailand

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Export levels fluctuated significantly, with a 48-fold difference between the high in 2018 and the low in 2019. In 2020, Thailand's cross-border shipments of shelled cashew nuts amounted to 1 192 tonnes, marking a substantial increase of 3,969.0% from the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 29 tonnes, while the maximum was in 2018 at 1 415 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 97.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Thailand's shelled cashew nut exports in volume were heavily concentrated on the United States, which accounted for 86.3% of total flows, with other countries making up the remaining share.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. The highest value was observed in 2017, while the lowest occurred in 2019, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 63 times. In 2020, Thailand's foreign shelled cashew nut supplies reached 11 693 thousand US dollars, marking a steep rise of 4,731.3% compared to the prior year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 242 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 98.4% also occurring that year.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the United States dominated Thailand's shelled cashew nut export structure in value terms, holding a 91.2% share of total flows.

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

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

Imports shelled cashew nuts to Thailand

Imports in kind, t

Thailand's shelled cashew nut imports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 10 621 tonnes, marking a 0.8% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 18.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Myanmar were the main sources in the geographical breakdown of shelled cashew nut imports to Thailand by volume. Vietnam accounted for 65.4% of imports, Indonesia for 3.3%, and Myanmar for 2.4%, together representing 71.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Thailand's shelled cashew nut imports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Thailand imported shelled cashew nuts valued at a total of K $ US, which is 16.0% lower than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 28%, equating to an annualized decline of 10.4%.

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

Over 2017-2020, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Myanmar together absorbed 74.3% of Thailand's total shelled cashew nut imports by value. Vietnam accounted for 68.1% of imports, Indonesia for 3.9%, and Myanmar for 2.3%, making them the primary sources.

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

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