Brian Jeffrey
In recent years, Cambodia has quickly become the second-largest source of raw cashew nuts globally. Vietnam has invested over $1 billion to acquire nearly all of Cambodia’s cashew output.
Cambodia’s Growth in Cashew Production
According to the Cambodia Cashew Association (CAC), the country’s cashew exports reached a remarkable $1.15 billion in 2024, reflecting a 31% rise from the previous year. Approximately 90% of these exports went to Vietnam.
In 2024, Cambodia’s cashew production soared to 850,000 tons, a 26% increase compared to 2023, firmly establishing its status as the second-highest raw cashew producer worldwide.
Cashew nuts have now become one of Cambodia’s significant agricultural exports alongside rice, rubber, cassava, palm oil, bananas, mangoes, longans, and pepper. Many of these staples are not only exported to Vietnam but also compete with Vietnamese products in the global marketplace.
Vietnam: The Primary Customer for Cambodian Cashews
According to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs, in 2024, Vietnamese companies spent $1.07 billion to import almost 820,000 tons of raw cashews from Cambodia. This was a 33.5% increase in volume and a 27.4% increase in value from 2023.
Cambodian cashews now comprise 33.2% of Vietnam’s total raw cashew imports, reinforcing Cambodia as Vietnam’s primary supplier. This consistent supply is essential for Vietnamese processors, allowing them to sustain their production and export activities, which has helped Vietnam maintain its title as the leading supplier of cashew kernels for 18 consecutive years.
In 2024, Vietnam exported around 723,800 tons of cashew kernels, achieving unprecedented revenue of $4.34 billion.
This indicates a 12.4% rise in export volume and a notable 19.2% increase in value over the previous year, marking the highest results since Vietnam entered the global cashew trade.
Tam An
