Vietnam continues to affirm its position as the world’s leading exporter of processed cashew kernels, contributing over 80% of global trade. In Q2/2025, the Vietnamese cashew industry is navigating both opportunities and emerging challenges, requiring exporters to remain adaptive, certified, and market-sensitive.
📊 Export Performance Overview
In the first four months of 2025, Vietnam exported approximately 142,000 metric tons of cashew kernels, up 12.4% compared to the same period last year. Total export value reached nearly USD 760 million, driven by strong demand and improved FOB prices. The average FOB price for WW320 currently ranges between USD 5.25 and 5.40/kg, depending on market and certification levels.
🇺🇸 United States – Navigating Tariff Pressures
The U.S. market has been impacted by a 46% import tariff imposed on several Vietnamese exporters in early 2025. Buyers are shifting toward suppliers with robust food safety certifications (e.g., BRC, HACCP) and traceable sourcing. Demand remains solid, especially for roasted and value-added cashew products, which fall outside some tariff categories. Exporters must focus on compliance and innovation to maintain their position in this high-value market.
🇪🇺 European Union – Sustainability First
EU markets prioritize organic certification, eco-friendly packaging, and transparent labeling. Retailers in Germany, France, and the Netherlands increasingly demand WW240 and WW320 grades for premium private-label products. Exporters that meet these expectations with biodegradable packaging and traceability systems are well positioned for long-term success in the EU.
🇨🇳 China – Price-Sensitive Volume Buyer
China remains Vietnam’s largest importer by volume, but is highly price-sensitive. Most transactions are short-term and container-based, driven by logistics costs, exchange rates, and domestic inventories. Exporters must offer competitive pricing, fast turnaround, and logistical efficiency to maintain market share.
🇸🇦 Middle East – Flavored Cashews Gaining Popularity
Demand is rising sharply in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the broader GCC region for roasted, flavored, and snack-ready cashews. Popular SKUs include honey-roasted, salted, and spicy varieties. Buyers prefer halal-certified products with premium packaging for retail and e-commerce. This market is quickly becoming a hotspot for Vietnamese value-added cashew innovation.
⚠️ Key Export Challenges in Q2/2025
Vietnamese exporters are facing a set of key challenges this quarter:
- Tariff barriers, especially in the U.S., requiring re-strategizing product offerings
- Rising global expectations for certification, labeling, and packaging compliance
- Continued volatility in shipping and logistics costs
- Increasing buyer preference for short-term and flexible contracts
💼 How SVC Is Adapting
SVC, a Vietnamese cashew exporter active in over 43 countries, has responded to Q2/2025 dynamics by:
- Expanding its range of roasted and flavored products tailored to EU and Middle Eastern tastes
- Maintaining global certifications, including BRC, HACCP, and Organic EU
- Offering flexible pricing and delivery schedules to meet market-specific needs
- Strengthening traceability systems to comply with stringent U.S. and EU buyer requirements
With a focus on transparency, compliance, and product innovation, SVC is reinforcing its presence across key global markets in 2025.
🔮 Outlook
While Q2/2025 presents multiple challenges, the global demand for cashew remains stable and strong. However, buyers are becoming more selective, prioritizing not just price and quality but also reliability, certification, and value-added potential. Vietnamese exporters who adapt swiftly and invest in innovation will be well-positioned to lead the next phase of sustainable industry growth.
Sources:
– Vietnam’s General Department of Customs (April 2025)
– VINACAS – Vietnam Cashew Association (Q2/2025 Market Brief)
– VnEconomy & Mundus Agri Market Insights (Q1–Q2/2025)
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