Global cashew production is expected to rise to 5.53 million tons.

The International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC) released a global cashew production forecast in November, showing a more optimistic outlook than the initial forecast in early May. Currently, it is estimated that cashew production in the Northern Hemisphere will increase by 2% compared to the previous season, reaching 457.4 million tons; Southern Hemisphere production is expected to grow by 7%, reaching 90.1 million tons. The total production for the 2025/2026 crop season is expected to be 553.3 million tons, a 3% increase from the previous year's 536.6 million tons. With the completion of the harvest and shipment of goods in the Northern Hemisphere, the production of Ivory Coast for the 2025/26 season is expected to be 125 million tons, a 4.2% increase from the previous season, maintaining its position as the largest producer. Vietnam's production is expected to decrease by 11.8% to 30 million tons, and as a major processing country, Vietnam is currently focusing on sourcing from Tanzania and Mozambique, which start their production season later. The production in Cambodia and India is also expected to increase, with Cambodia's production expected to rise by 6.3% to 85 million tons and India's production expected to grow by 17.9% to 72.5 million tons. Among the Southern Hemisphere cashew-producing countries, the Tanzania Cashew Council (CBT) recently released data that is more optimistic than the INC's estimate of 50 million tons. The council predicts that this season's production will reach 70 million tons, a 17% increase from the 2024/25 crop season's 59.5 million tons. Demand in China, the European Union, and the Middle East remains stable. However, there is growing interest from European buyers in African cashew kernels. In contrast, high costs and tariffs have suppressed demand in the United States. However, Vietnam has successfully offset the decline in U.S. demand by increasing exports to China. Image source: Mundus Agri 2025 International Fruit and Vegetable Report. All rights reserved. For permission to reproduce, please contact the International Fruit and Vegetable Report and credit the source as the International Fruit and Vegetable Report.