10Apr
India’s cashew exports saw a modest 8% increase in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, buoyed by a sharp rise in European Union (EU) imports. The surge in demand from the EU has provided a welcome boost to Indian exporters amid evolving global trade dynamics.
According to J Rajmohan Pillai, Chairman of the Beta Group, which owns the NutKing brand, cashew nut imports by the EU hit an all-time high in Q1 2025. The bloc imported 42,850 tonnes of cashew nuts valued at €273 million ($300 million) — a significant jump of 16% in volume and 42% in value compared to the same period in 2024, when imports stood at 37,054 tonnes worth €193 million ($212 million).
Vietnam continued to dominate the EU cashew market, accounting for 72% of total imports, reaffirming its position as the world’s leading cashew supplier. However, India’s improved export figures indicate a strengthening foothold, particularly in the premium and value-added segments.
Pillai also highlighted that recent geopolitical and economic developments, particularly the imposition of a 46% U.S. tariff on Vietnamese cashew nuts — often referred to as the “Trump Tariff” — could potentially reshape global trade flows. With the U.S. being a key consumer market and Vietnam a primary supplier, exporters are now eyeing alternate destinations such as the EU, Japan, and the Middle East to mitigate risks.
“The Trump Tariff could be a game changer,” said Pillai. “It is already prompting suppliers to diversify and explore new markets, and we see the EU emerging as a strong alternative.”
Industry experts believe that while Vietnam's dominance is likely to continue in the short term, the shifting dynamics offer an opportunity for India and other exporters to expand their market share. The evolving trade scenario may also open up new avenues for collaboration, innovation, and value addition in the cashew processing industry.
India, once the global leader in cashew exports, has been striving to regain its competitive edge through improved processing techniques, quality control, and brand positioning. The recent uptick in shipments is being seen as a positive sign for the sector.
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