Cashew sector faces difficulties in 2017

Despite record earnings from export in 2016, cashew nuts exporters are struggling to meet targets for this year due to a shortage of raw materials.

The General Statistics Office reported that the total cashew nut exports hit 18,000 tonnes in January 2017 with total value of US$164,000, down 27.8 percent in volume and 12.6 percent in value year-on-year.

Vietnam exported a record 347,000 tonnes of cashew nuts last year, earning US$2.84 billion, up 5.6 percent in volume and 18.4 percent in value annually. However, domestic processors had to import more than 1.1 million tonnes of material cashew for processing. The dependence on imported materials poses difficulties for the sector in ensuring product quality and food safety.

According to Bach Khanh Nhut, deputy director of Vinacontrol, the quality of raw cashew imported from Africa in 2016 degraded remarkable from the previous year, inflicting heavy losses on local processors. 

Secretary General of the Vietnam Cashew Association Dang Hoang Giang urged processors to invest in drying facilities and equipment to improve the quality of products.

Meanwhile, it is forecast that 2017 will see the ENSO phenomenon (a combination of El Nino and La Nina) and shorter dry season, which will cause an alarming decease in cashew output this year. 

Therefore, to meet the target of US$3 billion from cashew nut exports this year, up US$160 million from 2016, processors would have to increase the volume of imported raw cashews to 1.3 million tonnes. 

Chairman of the Vietnam Cashew Association Nguyen Duc Thanh advised the sector, especially cashew trading firms, to instruct farmers on intensive cashew farming to enhance output and quality while linking up with the State, scientists, business partners and farmers to develop sustainable material growing zones, as well as strengthening ties with international nut associations. 

The US is the largest importer of Vietnamese processed cashew nuts, accounting for 35 percent of the total. Europe makes up 25 percent, followed by China with 18 percent. 

VNA

Other News

SBV raises short-term capital lending cap to 40%

SBV raises short-term capital lending cap to 40%

The new circular will help credit institutions have more room to provide capital to businesses and investment projects to support high economic growth in the next few years, while increasing flexibility in the SBV’s monetary policy management.

Business confidence in Vietnam rebounds strongly: UOB

Business confidence in Vietnam rebounds strongly: UOB

The study found that 85% of Vietnamese enterprises reported positive business sentiment, a sharp increase from 48% in 2025, when business confidence was weighed down by uncertainties surrounding US tariff policies and related trade developments.

Bac Ninh seeks high-quality foreign investment for sustainable growth

Bac Ninh seeks high-quality foreign investment for sustainable growth

According to Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Pham Van Thinh, the province aims to maintain stable and sustainable growth, improve the competitiveness of both the economy and local businesses, and make better use of free trade agreements (FTAs) to expand and diversify export markets.

Green building trend flourishes in Ho Chi Minh City's real estate landscape

Green building trend flourishes in Ho Chi Minh City's real estate landscape

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) highlighted the city's dominance in green-certified building floor space in Vietnam, reflecting the rapid expansion of the green building market with 780 completed green buildings encompassing over 18.69 million sq.m by 2025, predominantly certified by EDGE and LEED.

UK supports Vietnam in wind power and green finance development

UK supports Vietnam in wind power and green finance development

The United Kingdom officially announced two new climate cooperation initiatives to support Vietnam in its energy transition and green growth journey. These programs focus on offshore wind power development and the creation of a sustainable green financial ecosystem.

Ample room remains for Vietnam–India logistics cooperation

Ample room remains for Vietnam–India logistics cooperation

The GTTCI expert noted that alongside logistics and integrated warehousing, e-commerce is expected to be a particularly high-growth sector in the coming years. He described it as a multi-billion-dollar market with significant untapped opportunities for cooperation between Vietnam and India.

Exports gain momentum from high-tech growth drivers

Exports gain momentum from high-tech growth drivers

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnam’s exports reached 215.66 billion USD in the first five months of 2026, up 19.5% year-on-year. Twenty-six export items generated more than 1 billion USD in revenue each, including seven with turnover exceeding 10 billion USD.

Vietnam–China crossings see spike in ASEAN fresh produce

Vietnam–China crossings see spike in ASEAN fresh produce

Since the start of the summer harvest season, China's two major border gates with Vietnam, Youyi Guan in Pingxiang and Beilun 2 Bridge in Dongxing, have entered their peak period for handling imports of fresh agricultural and seafood products from member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Cargo handling operations at Berths 3 and 4 of the Hai Phong International Gateway Port. (Photo: VNA)

AI reshapes logistics, raising bar for workforce skills

According to the Vietnam Logistics Business Association (VLA), the logistics sector will require around 2.2 million workers by 2030, including 1.6 million employees for logistics service providers and nearly 600,000 personnel supporting logistics operations in manufacturing and trading enterprises.

Robust dispute resolution framework key to Vietnam's IFC ambitions

Robust dispute resolution framework key to Vietnam's IFC ambitions

The development strategy for VIFC-HCMC envisions a comprehensive financial ecosystem encompassing green finance, carbon credits, financial technology (fintech), blockchain technology, digital assets, digital banking and other innovative business models. These highly internationalised sectors involve complex cross-border transactions and sophisticated legal structures.