Vietnam’s cashew export industry posted robust performance in the first half of 2025, reaching an export value of $2.34 billion from shipments of about 344,000  tonnes of cashew kernels, according to data from the General Department of Customs. For the first time, China became the largest buyer of Vietnamese cashews, overtaking the United States in both volume and value terms — a notable shift in trade patterns for one of the world’s leading cashew exporters.
Export value surged nearly 20 % year‑on‑year, despite a slight drop in export volume, driven mainly by higher average prices per tonne. In June 2025, Vietnam exported 67,930 tonnes of cashews worth nearly $463.6 million, marking the third consecutive month of year‑on‑year growth. China increased its imports significantly — accounting for over 25 % of Vietnam’s total cashew exports for the month, with exports to China rising more than 45 % in value compared to the same period last year.
Vietnam exported about 83,120  tonnes of cashews to China in the first six months of 2025, earning nearly $526 million — a 26 % volume and 45 % value increase from the previous year. This growth propelled China ahead of the U.S. as the country’s top cashew market. Exports to the United States dropped to approximately 70,070 tonnes valued at around $475.5 million during the same period, reflecting a decline in both volume and value versus 2024.
Vietnam’s cashew sector is widely recognized as a global leader in cashew kernel exports, and while demand remains strong from multiple markets, diversifying destinations and improving quality standards are priorities for further growth.
Vietnam has also set ambitious targets to boost overall annual export turnover in the wider cashew industry, with total export revenue reaching historic highs in 2025 and new milestones being reported beyond mid‑year figures.
