Asia-Pacific Cashew Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The Asia-Pacific Cashew Market size is estimated at USD 7.57 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 9.41 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.44% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The Asia-Pacific cashew market is experiencing steady growth, driven by the region's dominant role in global production, increasing demand for healthy snacks, and the rising popularity of cashew-based products in various industries. Asia-Pacific is the largest producer and exporter of cashews, with countries like India, Vietnam, and Indonesia leading in cashew farming and processing. As consumer awareness of health and nutrition increases, cashews are gaining popularity due to their high protein, healthy fat content, and rich micronutrient profile.
The cashew market growth is attributed to increasing health consciousness and consumer preference for healthy food options. Cashews contain beneficial carbohydrates, protein, and fats. They are nutritionally dense, providing B vitamins, vitamin K, and essential minerals including copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc. The growing trend toward vegan and plant-based diets has increased the demand for nuts and nut-infused foods as alternative protein sources. According to the ITC Trade Map, China's cashew imports increased from 9.92 thousand metric tons in 2022 to 10.3 thousand metric tons in 2023.
India maintains its position as the world's largest cashew producer, contributing significantly to the Asia-Pacific market. The country's tropical climate and agricultural landscape support cashew cultivation, while government support through subsidies, farming techniques, and improved processing methods enhances production. Vietnam has strengthened its position in cashew production and processing, with production increasing from 328.8 thousand metric tons in 2022 to 347.6 thousand metric tons in 2023, according to FAOSTAT. The Vietnamese government's investments in modern processing technologies and quality control measures have established the country as a major global exporter. Indonesia, another key player in the Asia-Pacific cashew market, is also expanding its cashew production. Additionally, the rise of cashew-based products like cashew milk, butter, and snacks is further supporting market growth.
The Asia-Pacific cashew market will continue to grow due to increasing demand for cashew-based products in the health food industry and rising consumption of processed cashews in culinary applications. As major producers improve their cultivation and processing capabilities, the market will benefit from increased productivity, enhanced product quality, and a larger share of the global market.
Asia-Pacific Cashew Market Trends and Insights
Growing Export and Production of Cashew
The Asia-Pacific cashew market is driven by the expanding export and production capabilities of key regional players, including India, Vietnam, and Indonesia. These countries, being the largest global cashew producers, have developed robust agricultural infrastructure that enhances both production volume and quality. The market growth is supported by increasing international demand, government initiatives, and improved processing technologies.
The region's tropical climate, extensive cultivation practices, and established processing industry serve both domestic and international markets effectively. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Small-holding farms, ranging from 0.5 ha to 5 ha, account for over 80% of cashew cultivation in Asian countries and medium and large-scale commercial plantations contribute 10-15% of total production using hired labor. Vietnam, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and the Philippines are the primary cashew producers in Asia-Pacific. The Sri Lankan government supports cashew cultivation through multiple programs, including the Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation, the ADB-funded Perennial Crops Development Project, the Southern Development Authority, and the Mahaveli Project. Furthermore, FAOSTAT data shows the Philippines' cashew harvested area increased from 24.6 thousand hectares in 2022 to 25.5 thousand hectares in 2023. Additionally, cashew production in Indonesia rose from 146.41 to 164.15 thousand metric tons, while the Philippines increased from 123.76 to 136.26 thousand metric tons during the same period, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
The region maintains its position as a global leader in cashew trade and processing. Major export destinations include North America, Europe, and the Middle East. India, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines have enhanced their processing capabilities to meet international quality standards, maintaining their market competitiveness. ITC Trade Map data indicates Vietnam's shelled cashew exports increased from 354.62 thousand metric tons in 2022 to 421.97 thousand metric tons in 2023. The United States, China, and the Netherlands were Vietnam's primary export destinations with a value share of 22.6%, 16%, and 12% in 2023 supported by favorable trade policies, according to the ITC Trade Map.
The Asia-Pacific cashew market continues to strengthen through increased production capacities and export potential in India, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia. The combination of growing global demand and improved production and export infrastructure positions the region for continued market expansion.
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India is the Largest Market for Cashew
India is the largest market in the Asia-Pacific cashew industry, accounting for a significant share of both production and export in the region. As the world's largest producer and exporter of cashew nuts, India shapes the dynamics of the Asia-Pacific cashew market through its extensive agricultural resources and processing infrastructure.
India's tropical climate supports year-round cashew cultivation. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), India's cashew production increased from 752 thousand metric tons in 2022 to 782 thousand metric tons in 2023. The main cashew-growing regions in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu benefit from optimal growing conditions. FAOSTAT data shows India's harvested area for cashews expanded from 1.18 million hectares in 2022 to 1.20 million hectares in 2023. The vastness of these agricultural areas allows India to produce a large volume of raw cashews annually, which is a key factor driving the market's growth.
The Indian cashew industry combines traditional practices with modern agricultural methods to improve crop quality and yield. Government initiatives provide subsidies, technical training, and research support for sustainable practices. These measures have enhanced productivity and quality standards. In August 2024, the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) implemented a 40% subsidy on machinery for the cashew industry.
India’s role as the leading cashew exporter is another major driver of its dominance in the Asia-Pacific cashew market. The country exports a large proportion of its cashew production, with key markets in Europe, and the Middle East. India's cashew exports increased from 46.2 thousand metric tons in 2022 to 47.6 thousand metric tons in 2023, according to ITC Trade Map. The UAE leads export destinations with a 32.4% value share, followed by Japan at 13.5%, Saudi Arabia at 10%, and the Netherlands at 9.9% in 2023, according to the ITC Trade Map. Furthermore, India has expanded beyond whole cashew kernels into value-added products, including cashew butter, cashew milk, and roasted cashew snacks, broadening its market presence and global share.
India's production capacity, export network, government support, and processing capabilities maintain its position as the largest market in the Asia-Pacific cashew industry. These factors will continue to support the regional market's growth.
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Recent Industry Developments
- August 2024: The Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) implemented a 40% subsidy on machinery for the cashew industry. Through this initiative, APEDA aimed to increase cashew processing capacity and enhance India's export opportunities in the coming years.
- February 2024: Cambodia hosted the World Cashew Conference in Siem Reap, which provided a platform to showcase local products and advance the country's goal of becoming a major global cashew processor and exporter by 2027.
- September 2022: The Indian Directorate of Industries, Trade and Commerce (DITC) amended the 'Employment Subsidy Scheme for Cashew Industry' 2022 to support the cashew industry's growth and sustainability. The scheme aims to promote the industry by reimbursing 50% of annual wages paid by cashew processing units to their regular employees from Goa.
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Asia-Pacific Cashew Market Report Scope
Cashew nuts are edible kidney-shaped nuts belonging to the Anacardiaceae family, rich in oil and protein, and are roasted and shelled before being eaten. Oil extracted from the shells is used as a lubricant in the production of plastics. The Asia-Pacific cashew market is segmented by geography (Vietnam, India, China, Japan, Australia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines). The report includes production (volume), consumption (volume and value), import (volume and value), export (volume and value), and price trend analysis. The report offers the market size and forecasts in terms of both value (USD) and volume (metric tons) for all the above segments.
Geography (Production Analysis by Volume, Consumption Analysis by Volume and Value, Import Analysis by Volume and Value, Export Analysis by Volume and Value, and Price Trend Analysis)
| China |
| Vietnam |
| India |
| Indonesia |
| Australia |
| Sri Lanka |
| Japan |
| Philippines |
| Geography (Production Analysis by Volume, Consumption Analysis by Volume and Value, Import Analysis by Volume and Value, Export Analysis by Volume and Value, and Price Trend Analysis) | China |
| Vietnam | |
| India | |
| Indonesia | |
| Australia | |
| Sri Lanka | |
| Japan | |
| Philippines |
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Key Questions Answered in the Report
How big is the Asia-Pacific Cashew Market?
The Asia-Pacific Cashew Market size is expected to reach USD 7.57 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 4.44% to reach USD 9.41 billion by 2030.
What is the current Asia-Pacific Cashew Market size?
In 2025, the Asia-Pacific Cashew Market size is expected to reach USD 7.57 billion.
What years does this Asia-Pacific Cashew Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Asia-Pacific Cashew Market size was estimated at USD 7.23 billion. The report covers the Asia-Pacific Cashew Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Asia-Pacific Cashew Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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Asia-Pacific Cashew Market Report
Statistics for the 2025 Asia-Pacific Cashew market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Asia-Pacific Cashew analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
