MARKET DATA • TRADE FLOWS • INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
India & Global Cashew Trade Intelligence
AICTIC Trade Intelligence brings together official trade statistics, sourcing trends, market benchmarks and industry insights to help the cashew trade make better-informed business decisions.
LATEST UPDATE — OCTOBER 2026
October 2026 Intelligence Brief
11.41 lakh MT
RCN Imports — FY 2024–25
₹120.38/kg
Average RCN Import Price — FY 2024–25
32,998.91 MT
Kernel Exports — FY 2025–26
495,607 MT
In-shell Imports — Apr–Jul 2026
OFFICIAL TRADE DATA
India's Raw Cashew Nut Import Market
India continues to depend significantly on imported Raw Cashew Nuts (RCN) to supplement domestic production and support its large processing industry. Recent trade data shows a decline in import volume accompanied by a significant increase in import value and average landed price.
| Financial Year | RCN Import Quantity | Import Value | Average Import Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023–24 | 12.51 lakh MT | ₹11,633 crore | ₹92.96/kg |
| 2024–25 | 11.41 lakh MT | ₹13,742 crore | ₹120.38/kg |
RCN Import Trend
Import volumes moderated in FY 2024–25, while higher international RCN prices pushed India's total import value upward.
India RCN Imports — Quantity vs Import Value
Comparison of FY 2023–24 and FY 2024–25
Import quantity declined by approximately 8.77% in FY 2024–25, while average import prices increased significantly, pushing total import value higher despite the lower volume.
EXPORT PERFORMANCE
India Cashew Kernel Export Trend
India’s cashew kernel exports have shown a declining medium-term trend, reflecting changing global competition, domestic demand growth and evolving processing economics.
India Cashew Kernel Export Trend
Cashew kernel export volume, FY 2019–20 to FY 2024–25
Cashew kernel export volume declined from 67,647 MT in FY 2019–20 to 37,084 MT in FY 2024–25. The FY 2024–25 export value was approximately ₹2,473.11 crore.
FY 2025–26 Cashew Export Mix
India’s cashew export basket includes kernels, in-shell cashew, value-added products and Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL).
| Product | Export Volume | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| Cashew Kernels Processed kernel exports | 32,998.91 MT | USD 265.08 mn |
| Cashew Nuts — Fresh / Dried In Shell In-shell cashew exports | 77,806.41 MT | USD 114.12 mn |
| Roasted / Value-Added Cashew Processed value-added products | 3,001.82 MT | USD 24.62 mn |
| Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) Industrial cashew by-product | 38,648.74 MT | USD 26.76 mn |
Major destinations reported for FY 2025–26 include Vietnam, UAE, Netherlands, Japan and Spain.
Major Raw Cashew Nut Producing States
India’s domestic raw cashew production is concentrated across several major producing states, with Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha among the leading contributors.
Domestic production remains insufficient to fully support India’s large installed cashew processing capacity, making imported Raw Cashew Nuts structurally important to factory utilization.
Global RCN Origin Parity — CNF Indian Ports
Indicative weekly benchmark for major Indian gateways including Visakhapatnam, Tuticorin, Mangalore, Cochin and JNPT.
| Origin | KOR / Outturn | Nut Count / kg | Indicative CNF India | Market Tone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Côte d’Ivoire | 47–49 lbs | 195–205 | USD 1,480–1,550 / MT | Steady |
| GhanaTechiman / Wenchi | 48–50 lbs | 185–195 | USD 1,560–1,620 / MT | Active buying |
| BeninCotonou | 49–51 lbs | 180–190 | USD 1,620–1,680 / MT | Firm |
| Guinea-Bissau | 52–54 lbs | 175–185 | USD 1,720–1,780 / MT | High premium |
| NigeriaOgbomosho | 48–50 lbs | 190–200 | USD 1,520–1,580 / MT | Regular supply |
| TanzaniaMtwara — New Crop | 50–52 lbs | 175–185 | USD 1,800–1,920 / MT | Auction premium |
| Indonesia / Cambodia | 50–52 lbs | 170–180 | USD 1,650–1,720 / MT | Selective demand |
These benchmarks are indicative and should not be treated as firm offers or executed contract prices. Actual parity may vary depending on origin, crop quality, KOR/outturn, nut count, moisture, defects, freight, port charges, payment terms, shipment timing and contractual guarantees.
Cashew Kernel Wholesale Benchmark
Indicative ex-factory / mandi prices across major processing clusters including Mangalore, Kollam, Palasa, Panruti and Khed.
| Grade | Description | Indicative Price | Weekly Tone |
|---|---|---|---|
| W180 | Jumbo White Whole | ₹1,150–1,250/kg | Strong |
| W210 | Large White Whole | ₹920–980/kg | Firm |
| W240 | Standard Large / Table Grade | ₹820–860/kg | Stable |
| W320 | Medium Wholes / National Benchmark | ₹740–780/kg | High volume |
| W400 | Budget Wholes / Small Wholes | ₹680–710/kg | Steady |
| JH / Splits / Halves | Premium Splits for Sweets / Retail | ₹630–670/kg | Festive demand |
| LWP | Large White Pieces — Bakery / Culinary | ₹540–580/kg | Active |
| SWP / BB | Small Pieces / Baby Bits | ₹420–460/kg | Firm |
Prices shown are indicative market references and are not official quotations or firm offers. Actual transaction values may vary based on quality, grade uniformity, packing, payment terms, quantity, location, seasonality and prevailing buyer demand.
Supply-Demand Signals & Global Competitive Context
Key market forces shaping India’s cashew processing, sourcing, domestic consumption and global competitiveness.
India Supply Balance
APEDA market intelligence projected FY 2025–26 RCN imports at about 14.0 lakh MT, domestic RCN production around 7.9 lakh MT, and domestic kernel demand around 4.8 lakh MT.
Projection — not final trade statisticsDomestic Demand
APEDA / Crisil intelligence indicates that domestic kernel consumption has been rising and was projected to grow approximately 5–7% year-on-year, tightening available stocks.
Demand outlookKernel Exports
Indian kernel exports have trended lower over the medium term. FY 2025–26 kernel exports were reported at 32,998.91 MT, compared with 37,084 MT in FY 2024–25.
Export trendOrigin Processing
Côte d’Ivoire and other African origins are investing in domestic processing capacity, gradually changing the traditional model of exporting most Raw Cashew Nuts to India and Vietnam.
Structural shiftVietnam Competition
Vietnam remains a dominant cashew kernel exporter and a major RCN importer, increasing competition for West African raw material and global kernel market share.
Global competitionStrategic Implication
Indian processors increasingly need stronger procurement discipline, automation, yield improvement, quality consistency, working-capital efficiency and better positioning in domestic and premium markets.
Industry priorityWhat We Monitor for the Cashew Industry
AICTIC Trade Watch focuses on the key commercial, operational and policy signals that influence sourcing, processing, trading and profitability across the cashew value chain.
RCN Supply
Crop arrivals, origin availability, KOR / outturn, nut count, shipment schedules and exporter reliability.
Kernel Demand
Domestic wholesale and retail demand, festive buying, export enquiries and grade-wise price realization.
Freight & Logistics
Ocean freight, container availability, transshipment risk, port congestion, detention and demurrage exposure.
Processing Economics
RCN landed cost, recovery yield, grade mix, by-product realization, labour and energy cost, and margin sensitivity.
Currency
USD / INR movement and its impact on imported RCN landed cost, working capital and export competitiveness.
Policy & Regulation
DGFT import policy, customs duty, Plant Quarantine, FSSAI controls and relevant government notifications affecting the cashew trade.
Operational Advisory — Ports, Documentation & Freight
Practical operational guidance for cashew importers covering port clearance, documentation, Plant Quarantine compliance, freight and container planning.
Port Clearance & Demurrage
Key gateways include Visakhapatnam, Tuticorin and Mangalore. Routine post-berthing dwell periods may be around 48–72 hours under normal conditions, but actual clearance time can vary.
Plant Quarantine & Fumigation
Importers should confirm Plant Quarantine and phytosanitary requirements applicable to the origin and Indian port of entry before shipment.
Freight & Container Availability
West Africa-to-India freight conditions can change by season, shipping-line deployment and transshipment routing.
Before Confirming an RCN Shipment
KOR / outturn, nut count, moisture, defective nuts, foreign matter and crop year.
CNF / CIF port, LC / CAD / advance terms, survey, claim process and agreed tolerances.
Shipping line, route, container payload, free days, transshipment and expected arrival window.
Invoice, packing list, Bill of Lading, certificate of origin, phytosanitary / fumigation documents and insurance as applicable.
Customs broker readiness, port charges, examination risk, weighment and supporting claim evidence.
Port dwell time, container availability, freight and documentation requirements vary by shipping line, vessel, port, origin, commodity condition and regulatory inspection. Shipment-specific requirements should always be reconfirmed before dispatch.
Key Policy & Compliance Areas Affecting the Cashew Trade
AICTIC monitors important policy, tariff, food-safety and import-compliance developments that may affect processors, importers, exporters, traders and allied industry stakeholders.
Cashew Kernel Minimum Import Price (MIP)
DGFT policy has used Minimum Import Price controls for cashew kernels. A February 2023 amendment provided an exemption for eligible imports by 100% EOUs and SEZ units, subject to conditions restricting sale into the Domestic Tariff Area.
RCN Customs Duty & Import Competitiveness
Competitive access to imported Raw Cashew Nuts remains important for utilization of India’s large processing capacity and for maintaining raw-material availability across processing clusters.
FSSAI & Quality Compliance
Importers and processors should maintain shipment-specific food-safety, hygiene, packaging and testing compliance to support smooth clearance and market acceptance.
Phytosanitary & Treatment Requirements
Importers should ensure that origin-specific phytosanitary, fumigation and treatment documentation complies with the Plant Quarantine requirements applicable at the time of shipment and entry.
Trade and compliance requirements can change through DGFT notifications, Customs instructions, Plant Quarantine procedures, FSSAI standards and other government directions. AICTIC recommends checking the latest official notification before taking commercial or compliance decisions.
How to Read AICTIC Trade Intelligence
AICTIC combines official trade statistics with indicative industry market intelligence. Each data category should be read according to its source, reference period and commercial context.
Official Trade Statistics
Government and statutory-source data may be used for public dashboards when the reporting period, unit and source are clearly identified.
Indicative Market Benchmarks
RCN parity, kernel wholesale benchmarks, freight and market-tone observations should carry an Indicative / Last Updated label and be refreshed regularly.
Commercial Interpretation
Member-supplied market indications should not be presented as executed contract prices, official quotations or firm offers capable of acceptance.
RCN Quality Context
RCN pricing should be read together with KOR / outturn, nut count, moisture, origin, crop, defect tolerance and contractual quality terms.
Trade Terminology
Raw Cashew Nut, typically traded in shell.
Indicative kernel recovery from a standard weight of raw nuts. Commercial methods and contract conventions should be stated.
Cost and Freight to the named port. Insurance is normally for the buyer’s account unless the commercial terms state otherwise.
Cost, Insurance and Freight to the named port.
Approximate number of raw nuts per kilogram, generally used together with outturn as a quality indicator.
Price at the seller’s factory before onward freight and other buyer-side costs unless otherwise stated.
Data & Reference Sources
- APEDA — Cashew product and DGCI&S export statistics
- APEDA AgriExchange — India Import Statistics
- Kerala State Planning Board — Economic Review / CEPCI / DCCD data
- Department of Commerce, Government of India — TradeStat
- DGFT / Customs / Plant Quarantine / FSSAI notifications as applicable
- Indicative industry and member-supplied market inputs used for market benchmarks
AICTIC Cashew Trade Intelligence — October 2026
Access the complete India & Global Market Dashboard covering official trade statistics, RCN origin parity, kernel benchmarks, market outlook, logistics and regulatory intelligence.
Trade statistics and market information are compiled from government, statutory, recognized industry and indicative market sources. Official figures may be provisional or revised. Market prices, freight conditions and parity move continuously. AICTIC recommends independent verification of live commercial benchmarks before contracting or publication. This information is provided for industry reference and does not constitute an offer, investment advice, legal advice or a guarantee of price, quality or shipment performance.