India’s Cashew Kernel Exports Hit Historic Low, While Vietnam Reaches Record High

26-May-2025 12:39 PM

India’s Cashew Kernel Exports Hit Historic Low, While Vietnam Reaches Record High
★ Despite accounting for 43% of global cashew production, India's cashew exports have dropped sharply to just 8%. Over the past decade, exports have fallen from 120,000 metric tons to only 45,000 metric tons.
★ At the same time, domestic consumption in India has increased from 300,000 metric tons to 450,000 metric tons, while production has remained stagnant at around 200,000 metric tons. As a result, India now relies on imports for nearly 60% of its cashew requirements.
★ Processing costs in India are also higher compared to Vietnam. For example, the price of the popular W320 cashew grade is $3.30 per pound in Vietnam, whereas it is $3.80 per pound in India.
★ In contrast, Vietnam has emerged as the world’s leading exporter of cashew kernels over the past two decades. In the last five years alone, Vietnam’s cashew exports have nearly doubled.
★ Vietnam has also increased its import of raw cashew nuts (RCN) from Cambodia, which has significantly boosted its processing capacity and export volume.