This week’s report on the global nuts market.
- Vietnam's cashew sector continues to expand, driven by robust demand from China, the United States, and India. Between January and late 2025, Chinese imports of Vietnamese cashew kernels rose 37.4 percent in volume and 54.1 percent in value, setting Vietnam on course to exceed $5 billion in exports by year-end. However, increased reliance on African raw cashew imports, which have reached a three-year high, is pressuring processors’ profit margins due to elevated input costs. Some processors are halting operations under financial strain.
- In Iran, pistachio production in regions such as Zurandieh, Markazi, has plummeted by 50 percent this year, driven by unfavorable weather and persistent export sanctions. The resulting decline in both quality and export potential has sparked calls for government support and investment in agricultural technologies. Further compounding the issue, Canada has issued a large recall of Iranian pistachios due to salmonella contamination, affecting over 130 products and prompting stricter import safety protocols.
- India's nut imports, including almonds, walnuts, and pistachios, are projected to rise by 7 percent, spurred by growing health awareness and a large consumer base. Almond demand remains particularly steady. Meanwhile, Turkey's hazelnut output is forecast to drop by 36 percent in the 2025–2026 season due to adverse weather, adding strain to global supply. In contrast, Chile and the United States are expected to increase nut production, contributing to a shifting global trade landscape and influencing pricing structures across the sector.
