Cashew Nuts Production by Country 2025
Cashew nuts represent one of the world's most valuable tree crops, with Ivory Coast dominating global production at 1,044,450 tonnes in 2023, projected to reach 1,047,099 tonnes by 2025. India follows with 782,000 tonnes, while Vietnam produces 347,634 tonnes. This kidney-shaped nut grows attached to cashew apples on tropical trees, requiring specialized processing to remove toxic shells. The global cashew industry supports millions of smallholder farmers across Africa and Asia, with production concentrated in tropical regions between 25°N and 25°S latitude.
Ivory Coast leads global cashew nut production with 1,044,450 tonnes in 2023, up dramatically from 761,317 tonnes in 2018, representing 37% growth. Production peaked at 1,028,172 tonnes in 2022 before stabilizing. The country has invested heavily in processing infrastructure, moving beyond raw nut exports to value-added products. Ivory Coast's cashew belt spans northern regions with ideal savanna climate conditions. Government initiatives support smallholder farmers through improved seedlings, technical training, and cooperative development, positioning the country as Africa's cashew powerhouse. India maintains 782,000 tonnes in 2023, though declining from 817,000 in 2018, reflecting land conversion pressures and aging plantations. Production concentrates in Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu states. Vietnam demonstrates strong growth to 347,634 tonnes, up from 266,388 in 2018, with production centered in southeastern provinces. Indonesia produces 164,152 tonnes with relative stability. Philippines shows dramatic volatility, dropping from 255,931 tonnes in 2021 to 136,264 in 2023, indicating weather impacts or disease pressures. Thailand maintains steady 24,888 tonnes focused on domestic consumption. Tanzania shows significant volatility, ranging from 313,826 tonnes in 2018 to 189,114 in 2023, reflecting weather variability and market challenges. Benin demonstrates impressive growth to 203,844 tonnes from 115,590 in 2018. Ghana produces 115,557 tonnes with steady expansion. Guinea-Bissau maintains 114,561 tonnes, while Burkina Faso reaches 143,965 tonnes. Mozambique shows growth to 157,496 tonnes. Mali experienced dramatic decline from 167,621 to 75,185 tonnes, indicating production challenges. These West African producers benefit from suitable climate and growing international demand. Brazil produces 127,931 tonnes with volatility, serving both domestic and export markets. Colombia shows extreme fluctuation, ranging from 820 to 77,763 tonnes, suggesting experimental expansion phases. Mexico demonstrates dramatic decline from 4,077 to 688 tonnes, indicating production challenges or crop switching. Peru maintains small-scale production at 2,599 tonnes. Sri Lanka shows concerning decline from 44,756 to 16,353 tonnes, reflecting disease pressures and economic challenges. These smaller producers face competition from established African and Asian origins. Cashew processing requires specialized facilities to remove toxic urushiol-containing shells through roasting or steaming. Raw cashew nuts (RCN) trade internationally, with major processing hubs in India and Vietnam importing from African producers. Processing yields approximately 25-30% edible kernel from raw nuts. Value addition includes roasting, flavoring, and packaging for retail markets. Growing African processing capacity aims to capture more value domestically rather than exporting raw nuts. Quality grades (W180, W240, W320) determine pricing, with larger whiter kernels commanding premiums. Cashews provide crucial income for millions of smallholder farmers, particularly women involved in processing. The nuts offer excellent nutrition with healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Growing global demand for plant-based proteins and healthy snacks drives market expansion. Premium positioning in developed markets supports higher prices. Cashew apples, often discarded, show potential for juice and fermented products. Organic and fair-trade certifications create premium market segments. The industry faces challenges including price volatility, processing hazards, and climate change impacts. Cashew trees thrive in tropical climates with 500-3500mm annual rainfall and well-drained soils. Trees begin bearing after 3-5 years, reaching full production at 10 years, and can produce for 30+ years. Flowering occurs in dry season with harvest following rains. Pest management targets tea mosquito bug, stem borers, and anthracnose disease. Improved varieties offer higher yields, disease resistance, and dwarf characteristics for easier harvesting. Intercropping with legumes or vegetables provides income during establishment phase. Climate change impacts include irregular flowering and increased pest pressure. Global cashew production is projected to grow moderately through 2025, with Ivory Coast maintaining leadership while India faces production constraints. African expansion continues as countries invest in processing infrastructure and farmer support. Growing health consciousness and plant-based diet trends drive demand in developed markets. Asian middle-class expansion creates new consumption markets. Climate change adaptation requires drought-tolerant varieties and improved pest management. Processing automation may address labor challenges while raising concerns about employment. Sustainability certifications and traceability systems gain importance. The industry's future depends on balancing production expansion with environmental sustainability and fair farmer compensation.🏆 Ivory Coast's Market Leadership
Cashew Nuts Production by Country 2025
1
1,047,099
2
757,400
3
358,590
4
213,019
5
207,229
6
171,985
7
158,303
8
150,106
9
144,076
10
134,349
11
118,163
12
110,253
13
89,366
14
73,888
15
70,542
16
64,621
17
24,854
18
16,760
19
15,066
20
9,114
21
8,817
22
7,910
23
7,435
24
3,289
25
2,667
26
2,160
27
2,151
28
2,065
29
1,514
30
1,291
31
670
32
225
33
213
🌏 Asian Production Giants
🌍 African Production Expansion
🌎 Americas and Other Regions
🔧 Processing and Value Chain
💰 Economic and Nutritional Importance
🌱 Agricultural Characteristics
🔮 Market Outlook
Cashew Nuts Production by Country 2025
#
1
761,317
634,631
848,700
968,676
1,028,172
1,044,450
1,047,099
2
817,000
743,000
703,000
738,000
752,000
782,000
757,400
3
266,388
286,047
348,504
399,308
328,827
347,634
358,590
4
313,826
225,106
232,681
210,786
240,158
189,114
213,019
5
115,590
130,276
137,926
150,414
215,000
203,844
207,229
6
228,612
242,329
255,915
255,931
123,761
136,264
171,985
7
147,647
162,510
165,868
166,339
146,417
164,152
158,303
8
130,000
140,000
143,000
143,398
144,823
157,496
150,106
9
135,000
135,000
135,000
135,606
144,297
143,965
144,076
10
141,386
138,597
139,321
111,012
147,184
127,931
134,349
11
109,960
110,000
120,000
125,234
114,693
114,561
118,163
12
102,531
85,962
87,267
104,817
109,386
115,557
110,253
13
100,000
101,500
91,915
90,000
90,000
88,097
89,366
14
167,621
167,621
73,995
75,327
71,152
75,185
73,888
15
25,000
48,000
37,000
50,000
80,500
80,626
70,542
16
3,435
4,112
820
56,334
77,763
58,050
64,621
17
24,233
25,026
24,991
24,750
24,923
24,888
24,854
18
16,287
16,375
16,530
16,641
16,773
16,905
16,760
19
44,756
35,051
33,655
10,335
18,509
16,353
15,066
20
8,949
8,979
9,127
8,977
9,114
9,251
9,114
21
13,852
12,802
12,668
9,121
8,332
8,997
8,817
22
7,881
7,930
7,907
7,906
7,914
7,909
7,910
23
7,307
7,360
7,400
7,402
7,435
7,469
7,435
24
2,668
1,709
3,671
3,759
3,509
2,599
3,289
25
2,743
2,652
2,657
2,697
2,667
2,637
2,667
26
2,144
2,190
2,144
2,159
2,164
2,156
2,160
27
2,093
2,107
2,132
2,134
2,146
2,159
2,151
28
3,556
3,563
4,077
3,781
727
688
2,065
29
1,523
1,500
1,522
1,515
1,512
1,516
1,514
30
783
932
1,056
1,056
1,311
1,282
1,291
31
670
663
656
673
669
667
670
32
212
231
226
223
226
225
225
33
210
212
212
212
213
213
213
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country produces the most cashew nuts in the world?
Ivory Coast is the world's largest cashew nut producer with 1,044,450 tonnes in 2023, projected to reach 1,047,099 tonnes by 2025, accounting for approximately 30% of global production. India ranks second with 782,000 tonnes, followed by Vietnam at 347,634 tonnes. Ivory Coast's production has grown 37% since 2018, driven by government support for smallholder farmers, improved processing infrastructure, and ideal savanna climate conditions in northern regions.
How are 2025 cashew nut production forecasts calculated?
The 2025 forecasts use Weighted Moving Average (WMA) methodology, assigning 50% weight to 2023 data, 30% to 2022, and 20% to 2021. This is combined with compound annual growth rate (CAGR) analysis to project two-year trends. Countries showing high volatility (over 100% variance) like Colombia and Mexico receive conservative estimates based on 3-year median values to ensure realistic projections accounting for weather impacts and market fluctuations.
Data Disclaimer: Projected data (future years) are estimates based on mathematical models. Actual values may differ. Learn about our methodology →
Sources
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Updated: 05.11.2025https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL
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