Cashews: Côte d'Ivoire lowers minimum farmgate price
February 11, 2026 at 12:45 PM ,
Der AUDITOR
US causes uncertainty
The government of Côte d'Ivoire has set the minimum farmgate price for raw cashew nuts for the 2026 season at CFA francs 400/kg. This is around 6% below last year's level of CFA francs 425/kg. Agriculture and Sustainable Development Minister Bruno Nabagné Koné justified the adjustment with the tense situation on the international markets, which was exacerbated by additional US tariffs in the period from August to November 2025. Although these special tariffs have since been lifted, uncertainty about future demand from the US remains, according to the African Cashew Alliance (ACA) with reference to ecofin agency.
Market analysts point out that US cashew imports declined significantly in 2025 and that North America fell behind Europe and China as a sales market. It is unclear whether inventories absorbed the lower imports or whether consumption actually declined. The development of US imports will therefore play a key role in 2026. In 2024, the US was the third-largest buyer of Ivorian cashew kernels, with exports worth 29.3 billion CFA francs (11.8% of export revenue). A renewed decline in demand, as in 2025, could trigger a domino effect along the supply chain. Vietnam and the Netherlands were the top two export destinations for cashew kernels.
A regional trend in West Africa?
The authorities in Côte d'Ivoire are now opting for a cautious but protective farmgate price in order to both ensure the marketing of the crop and stabilise farmers' incomes. According to Koné, a later increase cannot be ruled out if market conditions improve.
Ghana also lowered its minimum price by 20%, as reported by the ACA. With the imminent launch of marketing campaigns in other important producing countries – including Benin, Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau – it remains to be seen whether the price adjustments will develop into a widespread trend in the region. At the same time, lower commodity prices could further boost processing in West Africa, following a significant increase in processing volumes in 2025, led by Côte d'Ivoire as the region's most important player.
|
Cashews |
|
|
Type, origin |
USD/mt |
|
WW240, Vietnam |
7,350 |
|
WW320, Vietnam |
6,850 |
|
W320, India |
8,160 |
|
W450, India |
7,445 |
|
Trade sources, FOB basis |
|
View more
- price charts for edible nuts
- price charts for dried fruit, oilseeds, spices and more
View related articles
