China: Cashew Nut Market 2025

Cashew Nut Market Size in China

The Chinese cashew nut market contracted markedly to $X in 2021, falling by -16.1% against the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption, however, saw significant growth. Over the period under review, the market reached the peak level at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Cashew Nut Production in China

In value terms, cashew nut production contracted modestly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, the total production indicated moderate growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.5% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production decreased by -3.5% against 2017 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 when the production volume increased by 83%. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum level at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In 2021, the average yield of cashew nuts in China was estimated at X tons per ha, remaining constant against the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, the yield, however, saw a pronounced decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 32%. Over the period under review, the average cashew nut yield attained the maximum level at X tons per ha in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the yield failed to regain momentum. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2021, approx. X ha of cashew nuts were harvested in China; leveling off at the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, the harvested area continues to indicate a pronounced contraction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when the harvested area increased by 44%. The cashew nut harvested area peaked at X ha in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the harvested area remained at a lower figure.

Cashew Nut Exports

Exports from China

For the third year in a row, China recorded decline in overseas shipments of cashew nuts, which decreased by -17.5% to X tons in 2021. Overall, exports saw a precipitous curtailment. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 when exports increased by 456%. The exports peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, cashew nut exports shrank to $X in 2021. In general, exports continue to indicate a dramatic setback. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when exports increased by 560% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Qatar (X tons) was the main destination for cashew nut exports from China, with a 57% share of total exports. Moreover, cashew nut exports to Qatar exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Kazakhstan (X tons), threefold. India (X tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 14% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Qatar stood at +3.3%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Kazakhstan (+11.5% per year) and India (-45.2% per year).

In value terms, the largest markets for cashew nut exported from China were India ($X), Kazakhstan ($X) and Vietnam ($X), together accounting for 69% of total exports.

Kazakhstan, with a CAGR of +25.7%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, among the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

Export Prices by Country

The average cashew nut export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, growing by 8.6% against the previous year. In general, export price indicated a remarkable increase from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +9.9% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, cashew nut export price increased by +11.3% against 2015 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when the average export price increased by 46% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs in 2021 and is likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably country of destination: the country with the highest price was Vietnam ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Qatar ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Vietnam (+55.5%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Cashew Nut Imports

Imports into China

After two years of growth, overseas purchases of cashew nuts decreased by -11.4% to X tons in 2021. In general, imports, however, continue to indicate a prominent expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when imports increased by 2,163% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2020, and then shrank in the following year.

In value terms, cashew nut imports fell dramatically to $X in 2021. Overall, imports, however, enjoyed a resilient increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when imports increased by 1,506%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

Togo (X tons), Benin (X tons) and Senegal (X tons) were the main suppliers of cashew nut imports to China, together comprising 67% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were in Senegal (with a CAGR of +57.8%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest cashew nut suppliers to China were Togo ($X), Benin ($X) and Cambodia ($X), with a combined 63% share of total imports. These countries were followed by Myanmar, Senegal, Mali, Tanzania, Gambia and Burkina Faso, which together accounted for a further 30%.

In terms of the main suppliers, Senegal, with a CAGR of +82.0%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average cashew nut import price amounted to $X per ton, dropping by -9.8% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 an increase of 65%. Over the period under review, average import prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was Myanmar ($X per ton), while the price for Gambia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Burkina Faso (+21.4%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :