Vietnam Strives to Achieve $4.5 Billion Cashew Export Target by 2025

The department believes that to achieve this goal, it must actively promote new market development, adjust export plans, and focus on potential markets with high demand but low market share, such as the Middle East (including the UAE and Saudi Arabia).

In recent years, Vietnam's cashew exports to the EU have maintained strong growth, becoming the third-largest export market after the United States and China. However, entering the EU market poses challenges due to strict requirements for sustainable production, such as prohibiting pesticide residues and preventing forest destruction for cashew cultivation. Nevertheless, the growing global consumer preference for nuts and grain-based processed foods in recent years is expected to increase market share and partially offset the decline in exports to the US.

A highlight of the cashew industry is the downward trend in raw material prices, dropping from $1,450 to $1,350 per ton, providing favorable conditions for enterprises to purchase raw materials for processing, especially in preparation for year-end holiday production. However, some enterprises still face cost pressures due to previously signed contracts with higher raw material prices. Despite this, cashew consumption demand typically rises significantly in the second half of the year, bringing hope for market recovery.

The Vietnam Cashew Association predicts a global cashew market annual growth rate of 4.6% between 2022 and 2027. With the continuing global healthy snack trend and consumers increasingly favoring nutritious and beneficial nut products, cashew consumption demand is expected to continue growing, offering breakthrough opportunities for Vietnam's cashew industry.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Vietnam exported 346,800 tons of cashews in the first half of 2025, generating $2.36 billion, with export volume decreasing by 2.7% year-on-year but export value increasing by 20.4%. The growth was primarily due to rising export prices, offsetting the decline in export volume.

In 2024, Vietnam's cashew exports reached 730,000 tons, valued at $4.37 billion, a year-on-year increase of 20.2%, setting a new record. As the world's largest cashew kernel exporter, Vietnam continues to leverage its deep processing advantages and food safety standards to meet global market requirements.