Cashew market update October 2026: in SVC’s bulletin of 7 October (FOB Ho Chi Minh, end-October / early-November shipment), WW320 is US$7.15/kg and WW240 US$8.00/kg — up US$0.15 and US$0.10 since July, after whole kernels held flat from July to early September. Roasted and salted A grades range from US$7.35/kg (A320) to US$9.00/kg (A180). Raw nut costs stay high, and exports to the Middle East were disrupted earlier in the year.
Where are prices going into October?
Over the summer, the white-whole grades held flat while DW320, LP and SK each gained US$0.10/kg between 13 July and 4 September. The whole grades then followed: WW320 rose to US$7.10 on 28 September and US$7.15 on 7 October, and WW240 to US$8.00. Because WW320 rose more than WW240, the WW240 premium narrowed from US$0.90 to US$0.85/kg.
| Grade | 13 Jul | 4 Sep | 28 Sep | 7 Oct |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WW180 | 9.60 | 9.60 | Not quoted | Not quoted |
| WW240 | 7.90 | 7.90 | 8.00 | 8.00 |
| WW320 | 7.00 | 7.00 | 7.10 | 7.15 |
| DW320 | 5.10 | 5.20 | Not quoted | Not quoted |
| LP | 5.00 | 5.10 | Not quoted | Not quoted |
| SK | 4.20 | 4.30 | Not quoted | Not quoted |
| Grade | 28 Sep | 7 Oct | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| A180 | 9.00 | 9.00 | Unchanged |
| A240 | 7.90 | 7.95 | +0.05 |
| A320 | 7.35 | 7.35 | Unchanged |
Among the roasted and salted A grades, only A240 moved, by US$0.05/kg. The last two bulletins quote whole and A grades only, and each has its own shipment period — October for 28 September, end-October to early-November for 7 October — so compare prices for the same shipment month.
The current quote is always on our cashew price today page, and the summer pattern is explained in our September market update.
What is happening to raw nut costs?
Vietnamese processors depend on imported raw cashew nuts. In 2025, Vietnam imported around 3 million tonnes, and the average import price rose 18.2% to US$1,525.2 per tonne, according to customs data reported by VietNamNet. Cambodia was the largest supplier by value. Kernel prices rest on that cost base.
For the first signals on the next crop from West Africa and Cambodia, see our new crop outlook for 2027.
How are Vietnam’s exports performing?
Vietnam exported 766,600 tonnes of cashew kernels in 2025, earning a record US$5.23 billion. In the first quarter of 2026, exports rose 11.8% year on year to 139,865 tonnes. Even so, the industry association lowered its 2026 target to US$5 billion, citing geopolitical conflict, rising raw material prices and higher shipping costs, as reported by Dan Tri International.
The same report noted that exports to the Middle East fell by half in March 2026 after military attacks in the region, and were almost completely disrupted by April. Buyers shipping to the Gulf should confirm current routing and transit times with their forwarder before fixing shipment dates.
What should buyers watch going into Q4?
- Whether whole grades keep rising — WW320 has moved in two consecutive bulletins after two months flat.
- Pieces and lower grades — not quoted in the last two bulletins; if you buy LP or DW320, ask for a current quote.
- Shipment period — compare offers for the same shipment month; nearby and forward prices can differ.
- Routing to the Middle East — transit times and availability of space on Gulf routes.
Our bulletins are dated and quoted per shipment period so buyers can compare like with like. If your Q4 volume is not yet covered, ask for a quote for the specific month you need.
Planning Q4 or Q1 volume? Request a quotation →
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