This episode offers a detailed look at the global nuts market as of November 9, 2025.
- In Nigeria, Kogi State is pursuing a bold plan to raise cashew production to 150,000 metric tons by 2027. This effort is led by the state’s Commodity Exchange Export Promotion and Marketing Development Agency (COSIPA) and includes the replacement of old trees with 15 million hybrid cashew trees over three years. These hybrids are known for high kernel recovery and will be sun-dried locally to meet international quality standards. The program includes financial support, training, and market access for farmers, with the goal of boosting employment and export revenue. Additionally, talks with Vietnamese investors are underway to establish processing facilities in Kogi, opening direct export channels to markets such as the United States, Germany, Japan, and the UAE.
- Ghana’s cashew sector also shows high potential, with the capacity to contribute over $660 million annually to the national economy if regulatory and processing improvements are implemented. The sector supports around 500,000 jobs but currently faces issues including under-regulation, price instability, and limited value-added processing. The Tree Crops Development Authority is addressing these gaps through new licensing systems and infrastructure expansion.
- Vietnam remains a global leader in cashew processing, importing over $4 billion worth of raw nuts in the first ten months of 2024. The country sources up to 90% of its supply from countries like Cambodia and several West African nations. Despite rising input costs that are squeezing margins, Vietnam is working to strengthen its national cashew brand by promoting domestic cultivation and adopting more advanced processing techniques.
- A recent memorandum of understanding between Nigeria and Vietnam reflects a significant step in bilateral cooperation. The agreement focuses on technology transfer and deeper trade integration, aligning Nigeria’s raw output with Vietnam’s processing strengths to benefit both economies. Meanwhile, global supply disruptions, particularly in Tanzania, are straining availability and driving prices higher. Political instability in the region has disrupted exports, creating challenges for major processors in India and Vietnam, who are now paying premiums to source from more stable suppliers like Cambodia.
