Cote d 'Ivoire is the world 's largest producer of cashew nuts . By 2025, its output will reach 1.5 million tons, accounting for approximately 40% of the global total. It is promoting the transformation of high value-added processing through industrial upgrading. By 2025, the export value of processed cashew kernels will increase by 67% year-on-year to 623 million US dollars.
Output and global status
Youdaoplaceholder0 production data : In 2025, Ivory Coast 's cashew nut production was 1.5 million tons, an increase of 58.8% compared to 2024 (944,700 tons), remaining the world's largest for many consecutive years.
Global share : It accounts for approximately 40% of the global total output, far exceeding the second place, India (data from 2023).
Youdaoplaceholder0 Planting area : Mainly distributed in the northern and central agricultural areas, such as the provinces of Dinbokro and Buakai, it relies on tropical climate conditions.
Export trade and market dynamics
Export scale :
In 2025, the export value of processed cashew kernels reached 623 million US dollars, representing a year-on-year growth of 67%.
The main export destinations are Vietnam (with the highest proportion), the Netherlands, and the United States (accounting for export revenue)11.8%.
Price adjustment : The field purchase price for the 2026 production season has dropped to 400 CFA francs per kilogram (approximately 0.65 US dollars), a 6% decrease from 2025, mainly due to the US tariff policy and weak demand.
Youdaoplaceholder0 trade challenge : The decline in us imports in 2025 triggers a chain reaction, but the growth in the European and Chinese markets partially offsets the risks.
Industrial upgrading and investment
Processing capacity :
In 2025, the local processing volume will be 660,000 tons, with a processing rate of 43% (only 344,000 tons in 2024).
ObjectiveBy 2030, the processing rate will reach 50%, and there are currently 37 factories (with a total production capacity of 830,000 tons).
Core investment :
In 2026, an investment of 120 billion CFA francs (approximately 220 million US dollars) will be initiated for the construction of new processing plants and circular economy projects (if shells are utilized at high value).
China-science cooperation is promoting the construction of a processing plant in Abidjan and strengthening the local industrial chain.
