Introduction – Current State of Play: The Cashew Nut Sector in Vietnam
Vietnam’s cashew nut industry is going through a whirlwind of challenges and opportunities in 2025. From shifting trade policies to wild supply chain fluctuations, it’s a real balancing act for producers, exporters, and buyers alike.
A major disruptor? The 10% U.S. import tariff on all commodities, which has led to a sharp 25% drop in cashew export volume to the U.S. in April 2025 compared to the same time last year. But Vietnam’s agile industry isn’t sitting still. Exports to China have surged—a whopping 127% in volume and 130% in value month-over-month—showing just how quickly businesses are pivoting to find new markets.
On the supply side, things are equally tricky. Vietnam grows only about 10–12% of the cashews it processes. The rest? Imported—mostly from Africa and Cambodia. But here’s the kicker: raw cashew prices have skyrocketed by 40–50%, thanks to crop failures in East Africa and export restrictions in the Ivory Coast.
Then there’s the weather. El Niño has thrown a wrench into growing seasons, causing droughts in major producing countries, which means less supply and higher prices. But despite all this, global demand remains strong. Consumers still love their cashews—especially as healthy snacks are booming.
Vietnam’s cashew market is projected to grow from $5.08 billion in 2025 to $6.73 billion by 2030. That’s a solid 5.8% CAGR. To stay competitive, the focus is shifting towards smarter farming, tech-driven processing, and exploring new trade routes. And platforms like Freshdi are empowering buyers by providing real-time market insights, supplier verification, and RFQ trend analysis.
Deep Dive – Market Movers: Recent Developments and Consequences
Growth Trends and Export Performance
Despite the turbulence, Vietnam still leads the world in cashew exports. In 2024, it shipped 765,368 tons worth $4.6 billion. Q1 2025 saw a rise in average export prices by nearly 28%, hitting $6,868/ton. Countries like the Netherlands and Japan are stepping up as key buyers, with the Netherlands seeing a 43.5% spike in imports from Vietnam.
But the U.S. market? Not so hot. Exports to the States dropped 14.5% in early 2025 due to tariffs and changing demand dynamics.
Supply Chain Roadblocks
Vietnam’s processors are in a tight spot. They’re losing roughly 600 million VND (about $24,000) per cashew container due to:
- Soaring raw cashew prices (up 30–40%)
- Long shipping delays (2–3 months transit vs. the usual 1)
- Quality inconsistencies from African suppliers
And don’t forget the looming 46% tariff on Vietnamese exports to the U.S. That’s a big red flag for producers relying on that market.
Investments and Policy Support
Good news? There’s government backing. The National Cashew Plan 2030 is pushing:
- High-yield crop varieties
- Tech adoption in farming
- $24M+ in training and infrastructure upgrades
Trade agreements like EVFTA and CPTPP are also boosting exports to the EU—with a 9.8% YoY growth in 2022 that’s expected to continue.
Top 9 Verified Cashew Nut Suppliers in Vietnam – Navigating Current Market Realities
Here are the top 9 cashew nut suppliers in Vietnam for Week 17 of 2025. These businesses have been vetted by platforms like Freshdi for their export capabilities, certifications, global reach, and responsiveness to current market challenges.
1. POMPOUS SON THANH PHAT VIETNAM CO., LTD
A standout in both sustainability and scalability, PSL is backed by Pompous Group and operates across Vietnam and West Africa. They offer organic grades (WW180 to WW450) and vacuum-sealed packaging.
2. Mito Group Company Limited
Known for versatile trade terms, Mito Group is a reliable exporter and wholesaler with a growing reputation, especially in fast-growing Asian markets.
3. DGA CO., LTD
This company prides itself on transparency and quality. With operations in multiple countries (Japan, China, Malaysia), they deliver consistent products from a 50–100 employee team.
4. Huvy Export Import Co., Ltd.
Huvy is a rising star in cashew exports, known for prompt delivery and flexible trade terms. They’re gaining traction in the EU market.
5. Kim Thu Cashews Co., Ltd
Established in 2023, Kim Thu is a new player but already making waves with competitive pricing and responsive service.
6. Agrinuts Vietnam Trading Co., Ltd.
Founded in 2020, Agrinuts focuses on raw cashew exports and has built strong procurement relationships across Cambodia and Africa.
7. SEAROAD COMPANY LTD
With CFR trade terms and vacuum-sealed packaging, SEAROAD positions itself as a logistics-savvy exporter ideal for bulk orders.
8. KAI ARGO COMPANY LIMITED
KAI ARGO offers wholesale pricing and short lead times. Their free samples and competitive pricing make them a buyer-friendly option.
9. BGE Bean Global Export
With a strong focus on quality and sustainability, BGE serves markets in the U.S., U.K., and UAE. Their W320 grade is vacuum-packed and shelf-stable for 12 months.
Dynamic Ranking Note: Supplier rankings may shift weekly based on transaction volume, buyer reviews, and new product offerings. Platforms like Freshdi regularly update “Suppliers of the Month/Quarter” to reflect current market performance.
Market Navigation – Strategic Responses to The Current Cashew Nut Landscape in Vietnam
Opportunities to Watch
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Diversified Markets: With the U.S. market slowing down, Vietnam is turning toward the EU and Japan. The Netherlands alone boosted imports by over 43% in early 2025.
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Price Premiums: Despite lower volumes, higher per-ton prices are giving exporters a chance to maintain profitability—especially those who can offer traceable, certified products.
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Production Growth: Binh Phuoc, Vietnam’s cashew hub, expects a 20% jump in production thanks to new farming techniques and government support.
Risks and Challenges
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Import Dependence: With 1.04 million tons imported in just the first four months of 2025—and over 50% from Cambodia—Vietnam remains highly vulnerable to foreign supply shocks.
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Rising Costs: African export bans, new transaction fees in Tanzania, and droughts are all pushing raw cashew prices sky-high.
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Regulatory Complexity: The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is forcing exporters to invest in traceability tech, or risk losing access to lucrative European markets.
Tactical Sourcing Tips
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Widen Your Supplier Base: Don’t rely solely on Cambodian imports. Explore options from Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Ghana—countries offering competitive pricing and volumes.
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Time Your Buys: Q2 is harvest season in Africa. Locking in contracts now could save money before prices rise further in H2 2025.
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Use Hedging Tools: Forward contracts can help cushion against unpredictable price hikes—especially with raw nut prices expected to climb 8–10% this year.
Short-Term Outlook
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Export Goal: The industry is targeting $4.5 billion in export revenue for 2025.
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Pricing Trends: Expect kernel prices to rise 15–20% due to tight supply and regulatory friction in Africa.
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Import Needs: Vietnam is forecasted to import over 1.5 million tons of raw cashew nuts in 2025 to meet processing demands.
Conclusion – Key Takeaways for Businesses in a Rapidly Evolving Market
The Vietnamese cashew industry in 2025 is a case study in resilience. From shifting tariffs and rising raw material costs to skyrocketing demand in new markets, it’s a fast-changing environment that rewards informed, nimble decision-making.
Buyer Checklist: How to Stay Ahead
- ✅ Monitor tariff changes and adjust target markets accordingly
- ✅ Diversify your supplier network beyond Cambodia
- ✅ Lock in Q2 contracts to avoid peak-season price spikes
- ✅ Ensure suppliers comply with EUDR and other traceability standards
- ✅ Use platforms like Freshdi to track RFQ trends and supplier credibility
Looking Ahead
The next few quarters will be all about agility. For businesses willing to adapt—whether by shifting sourcing regions, investing in traceable supply chains, or entering new markets—the rewards are significant.
And remember, Freshdi is more than just a supplier directory. It’s your strategic partner for navigating market volatility with real-time insights, verified supplier lists, and tools tailored for the fast-moving cashew trade.
References
- https://vietnamagriculture.nongnghiep.vn/numerous-markets-to-increase-cashew-exports-d756281.html
- https://vietnamnet.vn/en/vn-s-cashew-imports-exceed-exports-as-cambodian-products-flood-market-2275129.html
- https://tuoitrenews.vn/news/business/20240602/vietnam-cashew-exporters-threatened-by-50-surge-in-raw-material-prices/80196.html
- https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/vietnam-cashew-market
- https://cropgpt.ai/steady-growth-in-vietnams-cashew-industry-a-look-into-2025-projections-and-global-market-trends
- https://the-shiv.com/vietnams-cashew-nut-imports-soar-101-40-percent-in-march-2025/
- https://hectar.blog/2025-global-cashew-market-outlook-regulatory-changes-and-price-trends/
- https://elmarspices.com/the-cashew-industry-aims-to-achieve-an-export-turnover-of-4-5-billion-usd-in-2025/
- https://kaifarm.uk/trump-s-46-tariff-on-vietnamese-imports-analysis-of-impacts-on-coffee-and-cashew-exports-to-us-market/
- https://ahargroup.com/the-complete-guide-to-importing-raw-cashew-nuts-in-vietnam-2024/
FAQs
1. Why are cashew prices rising in 2025?
Due to poor harvests in Africa, export restrictions, and a global supply crunch, raw cashew prices have jumped by 40–50%.
2. Is Vietnam still a major player in the cashew market despite supply issues?
Absolutely. Vietnam remains the world’s top exporter and is adapting quickly by exploring new markets and improving processing efficiency.
3. How can I find trustworthy cashew suppliers in Vietnam?
Platforms like Freshdi offer verified supplier listings, RFQ trends, and buyer reviews to help you make smart sourcing decisions.
4. What should I look for when sourcing cashew nuts in 2025?
Focus on traceability, export certifications, and supplier flexibility. Also, watch out for compliance with EU regulations like EUDR.
5. When’s the best time to buy raw cashews this year?
Q2 is your best bet. That’s when Africa’s harvest peaks, so prices are typically lower before the late-year demand surge.
