Cashews: Vietnam hopes for a significant export increase

September 2, 2024 at 11:41 AM , Der AUDITOR
Play report as audio

HANOI. In the first seven months of the year, Vietnam has already managed to increase its exports – the hoped-for export target for 2024 is USD 3.8 billion. However, the country is also dependent on high RCN imports.

Imports exceed 3 million mt

Vietnam is by far the most important exporter of cashew nuts. However, in order to maintain this standard, the Southeast Asian country is dependent on high imports of raw cashew nuts (RCN), as only around 10% of the required quantity is harvested domestically. According to the Vietnam Cashew Association (Vinacas), imports therefore amount to more than 3 million mt per year. A large proportion of around 2.2 million mt is imported from West Africa, and Cambodia is also an important supplier. According to preliminary statistics from the Ministry of General Customs, cashew imports to Vietnam reached 291,413 mt in July with a value of more than USD 346 million, representing a volume increase of 1.9% and a value increase of 7% compared to the same month last year.

Overall, imports in the first seven months of the year totalled more than 1.7 million mt with a value of USD 2.1 billion. This is 2.5% more in volume and 0.6% more in value than in the same period last year. In this period, Cambodia was the most important supplier of RCN to Vietnam with 786,000 mt (+34% yoy). It was followed by Côte d'Ivoire with 325,000 mr (+20.5% yoy) and Ghana with 201,000 mt (+13% yoy). Prices for both domestic and imported RCN rose after the 2024 cashew harvest due to lower supply as a result of declining acreage in Vietnam.

Hopes and challenges

Vietnam's cashew exports this year are once again impressive. According to Vinacas, the country shipped a total of 451,600 mt of cashews overseas by 15 August, a good 25% more than in the same period last year. The turnover achieved totalled USD 2.55 billion. The average export price was USD 5,611/mt, 3.3% less than last year. The export target for this year is USD 3.8 billion, which would be USD 200 million more than in 2023, when 466,135 mt of cashews worth USD 3.6 billion were exported. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce is optimistic that the hoped-for export target will be achieved, but also emphasises that the cashew industry is facing challenges such as the procurement of RCN, rising production costs and the switch to sustainable production.

Stable prices in India

In India, the second most important cashew kernel producer after Vietnam, prices have remained relatively stable in recent weeks. Most recently, cashews, W320 cost USD 7,950/mt FOB India.

Cashews, India

Type

USD/mt

LP-1 9/15

9,865

LWP

6,605

SWP

5,940

W320

7,950

W450

7,235

FOB India

View more
price charts for edible nuts
price charts for dried fruit, oilseeds, spices and more

Attached Files

File icon
price chart cashews, India

View related articles

Go to the News Overview
Nuts
Dec 9, 2024
NEW DELHI. Contrary to the hopes of Indian growers, peanut prices have continued to decline. Indian edible oil imports are extremely high, which is slowing down trade. Nevertheless, the outlook is quite positive.
Nuts
Dec 9, 2024
BRISBANE. With harvesting finally complete the Australian Macadamia Society (AMS) has issued new estimates for the 2024 crop. They are much better than expected.
Nuts
Dec 4, 2024
ORDU. India is the next big market and marketing is underway to promote Turkish hazelnuts as a healthy snack. Speculations are rife in Turkey as to which way the market will turn in January. Buyers may have a small reason to hope.
Nuts
Dec 4, 2024
TEHRAN/BRUSSELS. Things are coming to a head between Iran and the EU over aflatoxin. To make the situation worse, the automotive industry has also turned to pistachios. Yet, exports are doing rather well. EU imports have surged.