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Cashews: processors in Ghana sound the alarm

July 9, 2025 at 2:40 PM , Der AUDITOR
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PHNOM PENH/ACCRA. While Cambodia and Vietnam are celebrating rising export figures, processors in Ghana are increasingly concerned about their industry. EU cashew imports have increased year-on-year.

Cambodia's exports rise significantly

According to the latest report published by the Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia (CAC), the country's cashew exports have risen by 15% over the last five months. However, alongside this positive news, there is also a downside, as adverse weather conditions such as cold spells, heavy rainfall and pest infestations were the reason for some crop failures and quality defects, according to FreshPlaza, citing a report of the Khmer Times. Farmers were faced with rising costs due to the increased use of pesticides.

Last year, Cambodian cashew production stood at 850,000 mt, representing an increase of 26.8% over the previous year. Exports were 31% higher than in 2023 at 815,000 mt, with the majority of 793,453 mt going to Vietnam. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has stated that Cambodia aims to become a leading cashew producer, with Kampong Thom province as the main growing area. To this end, the government has announced a USD 35 million economic stimulus package for low-interest loans to modern agricultural communities, which will run until 2027.

Stable prices in India

Vietnam, the most important cashew exporter, shipped a total of 81,110 mt of cashews worth just under USD 551 million overseas in May 2025. This represents an increase of 10.5% in volume and 11.5% in value compared to April, while the value rose by as much as 33.3% compared to May 2024. In the first five months of the year, Vietnam exported 276,760 mt of cashew nuts worth USD 1.88 billion.

In India, also a major cashew producer, prices have remained surprisingly stable in recent weeks. Here, cashew kernels, W240, currently cost USD 8,725/mt FOB India.

Cashews, India

Type

USD/mt

W240

8,725

W320

8,075

W450

7,360

LWP

6,730

SWP

6,065

FOB India

Critical situation in Ghana

While the outlook in Asian producing countries is quite positive, processors in Ghana are concerned. The Association of Cashew Processors Ghana (ACPG) even reports a possible collapse of the cashew processing industry due to political neglect, resulting in a lack of government support, and the prevailing shortage of raw materials.

According to MyjoyOnline, the ACPG also highlights the large number of overseas traders offering high prices for Ghanaian raw cashew nuts, thereby depriving local processors of the basis of their livelihood.  "This unsustainable practice distorts the market, undermines the national value-addition agenda, and threatens the long-term viability of Ghana's cashew sector”, it said in a statement. Many employees have already been affected by plant closures, particularly young people and women in rural areas who depend on cashew processing for their livelihoods. The ACPG is now asking the media for support in urging citizens and the government to take action and raise awareness of the importance of the cashew industry.

Côte d'Ivoire significantly increases shipments to the EU

EU cashew imports since the beginning of the year have risen by just under 7% compared to the same period last year. Between 1 January and 6 July 2025, EU countries imported a total of 88,142 mt of shelled cashew nuts, with Vietnam by far the most important supplier. It was followed by Côte d'Ivoire, which increased its shipments by an impressive 37.2% year-on-year, and India, which suffered losses of 16.7%. The largest buyers in the EU during the period in question were Germany, which increased its imports by 34.1% to 28,660 mt, the Netherlands (-12.2% to 26,480 mt) and Spain (+2.0% to 8,080 mt). Due to a higher average import price, the import value rose by 24.3%.

EU cashew imports, in mt

Partner

2024

2025

Diff.

Vietnam

57,758

62,921

8.9%

Côte d'Ivoire

10,343

14,192

37.2%

India

5,152

4,293

-16.7%

Nigeria

1,383

1,541

11.4%

Brazil

888

1,295

45.8%

Others

6,928

3,900

-43.7%

Total

82,452

88,142

6.9%

DG AGRI TAXUD Customs Surveillance System, 01/01-06/07

08013200 Fresh or dried cashew nuts, shelled

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