MERCOSUR: Cashew Nut Market 2025

Cashew Nut Market Size in MERCOSUR

In 2021, the MERCOSUR cashew nut market increased by 2.9% to $X for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. The total consumption indicated a noticeable increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.5% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption decreased by -12.1% against 2018 indices. Over the period under review, the market attained the maximum level at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Cashew Nut Production in MERCOSUR

In value terms, cashew nut production surged to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production, however, recorded a mild expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 with an increase of 742% against the previous year. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X. From 2019 to 2021, production growth remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Brazil (X tons) constituted the country with the largest volume of cashew nut production, comprising approx. 95% of total volume. It was followed by Colombia (X tons), with a 2.9% share of total production.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume in Brazil totaled +6.3%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Colombia (-3.4% per year) and Peru (-0.1% per year).

The average cashew nut yield contracted slightly to X kg per ha in 2021, approximately reflecting the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, the yield, however, posted a resilient increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 94% against the previous year. The level of yield peaked at X kg per ha in 2020, and then shrank in the following year. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2021, the harvested area of cashew nuts in MERCOSUR fell slightly to X ha, remaining constant against the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, the harvested area recorded a abrupt shrinkage. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 with an increase of 0.1% against the previous year. The level of harvested area peaked at X ha in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the harvested area stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Cashew Nut Exports

Exports in MERCOSUR

In 2021, after two years of decline, there was significant growth in shipments abroad of cashew nuts, when their volume increased by 239% to X tons. In general, exports saw a modest expansion. As a result, the exports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, cashew nut exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Overall, exports, however, saw a abrupt downturn. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 when exports increased by 109%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Brazil was the main exporter of cashew nuts in MERCOSUR, with the volume of exports finishing at X tons, which was approx. 47% of total exports in 2021. Venezuela (X tons) took a 31% share (based on physical terms) of total exports, which put it in second place, followed by Colombia (16%) and Chile (6.1%).

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were in Venezuela (with a CAGR of +26.5%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the exports figures.

In value terms, the largest cashew nut supplying countries in MERCOSUR were Brazil ($X), Venezuela ($X) and Chile ($X), together accounting for 88% of total exports.

Venezuela, with a CAGR of +26.8%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, among the main exporting countries over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced a decline in the exports figures.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in MERCOSUR amounted to $X per ton, waning by -62.3% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price continues to indicate a deep downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when the export price increased by 185% against the previous year. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton, and then plummeted in the following year.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Chile ($X per ton), while Colombia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Colombia (+0.8%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Cashew Nut Imports

Imports in MERCOSUR

For the fourth consecutive year, MERCOSUR recorded decline in supplies from abroad of cashew nuts, which decreased by -32.2% to X tons in 2021. Overall, imports faced a sharp reduction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 339%. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2018 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, cashew nut imports stood at $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports showed a precipitous decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when imports increased by 179% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

Brazil dominates imports structure, recording X tons, which was approx. 95% of total imports in 2021. Venezuela (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

Imports into Brazil decreased at an average annual rate of -27.4% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Venezuela (+25.3%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Venezuela emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in MERCOSUR, with a CAGR of +25.3% from 2012-2021. While the share of Venezuela (+2.7 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total imports from 2012-2021, the share of Brazil (-4.6 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, Brazil ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported cashew nuts in MERCOSUR, comprising 95% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Venezuela ($X), with a 1.9% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Brazil totaled -30.5%.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in MERCOSUR amounted to $X per ton, increasing by 48% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, continues to indicate a perceptible decrease. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 an increase of 60% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices reached the peak figure at $X per ton in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Brazil ($X per ton), while Venezuela stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Venezuela (+0.4%).

Source: IndexBox Platform