In 2008, China became world’s third cashew kernel importer followed by the US and Holland with import of 26401 tons, equal to about US$78.03 billion. Accordingly, cashew kernel import value in 2009 also raised US$20.78 million, equal to 26.63% against 2008.

Value and import of cashew nut by year in China. Source: GTIS
Note: 2010 data is only calculated in the first 9 months of 2010

China is a potential market with 1.39 billion people; moreover, with structure of young population and emerging middle class that is a large consumption source for products such as confectionary, fast food, snack… Thus, China’s import value of food ingredients increased sharply, of which, including cashew nut.

However, in 2010, its import in China tends to slow down. Total cashew kernel import value of China in the first 9 months of 2010 reached nearly US$50.44 million, down US$18.76 million, equal to 27.1% against the same period of 2009. In Sep 2010, import value reached US$10.35 million, up about US$1.46 million, equal to 16.42% but the record of US$12.76 million by Dec was not exceeded.

In 2009, China organized great festival days and attracted many visitors in the world, food import and consumption volume was also pushed most sharply in the period before the great festival days. Moreover, in 2010, world raw cashew supply reduced sharply in most countries, and affected cashew kernel price that caused enterprises to be careful in import.


Cashew nut import value of China in 2009 and 2010. Source: GTIS

Vietnam took the lead in cashew kernel exports to China. In 2009, cashew nut imports of Vietnam accounted for 99.05% in import structure of China, followed by other countries such as Myanma, India…Cashew kernel of Vietnam quickly took up China due to advantage in geography. In the South of China, products from Vietnam are easily penetrated into China through many border gates such as Mong Cai, Lao Cau, Lang Son…Moreover, cashew kernel of Vietnam has asserted higher position with many standards applied in production to ensure quality and brandname.

Share of cashew nut exporters to China. Source: GTIS

Vietnam was main provider for China; however, export price of Vietnam to China was quite low. Even, it was the lowest. China imported cashew nut from Vietnam with price of US$2828 (in 2009) and US$2767 (first 9 months of 2010); the price level was US$6 and US$12 lower than average price in 2009 and 2010, respectively.

Cashew nut import price from Vietnam and India. Source GTIS

Thus, according to Agroinfo, cashew kernel export price of Vietnam in top markets was very competitive compared to export price of other countries, especially main competitor-India. Domestic processing enterprises can raise slightly export price to accumulate more benefits and investment into expanding cashew kernel production.