Nigeria’s cashew exports to the European Union rose to 3,035 metric tonnes in 2025, a 12 per cent increase from 2,709 tonnes in 2024. The performance stood out amid uneven supply from several African producers.
On a global scale, Nigeria’s cashew nut exports reached $398.135 million in the first half of 2025, up 81.15 per cent from $219.780 million in the same period of 2024.
New trade data from Mundus Agri, a global food and feed commodity platform, shows Nigeria was among the few countries to expand EU exports while competition intensified and prices surged.
The EU imported 193,772 tonnes of cashews in 2025, up 4.6 per cent from 185,189 tonnes the previous year. Vietnam remained the largest supplier, increasing shipments by 4.7 per cent to 138,287 tonnes. Côte d’Ivoire posted the strongest growth among major exporters, boosting exports by nearly 35 per cent to 32,153 tonnes.
India, historically a key processor, saw exports to the EU fall nearly 14 per cent to 8,774 tonnes, highlighting shifts in trade flows and rising competition from African suppliers.
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The EU’s cashew import bill rose to €1.24 billion in 2025, almost 21 per cent higher than in 2024, driven by both higher volumes and a surge in prices, with the average import price reaching €6.41 per kilogramme.
While Nigeria remains smaller than Côte d’Ivoire or Vietnam, its increased shipments translated into stronger export earnings and renewed attention on its cashew sector.
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has said the country is actively expanding its global cashew footprint. NEPC Executive Director Nonye Ayeni highlighted that cashew nuts surged to the third position among 234 Nigerian export products in H1 2025, with exports valued at $398.135 million. Cashew kernels also rose from the 18th to 14th position, increasing 40.29 per cent to $26.851 million.
Opportunities and Challenges
Ayeni noted the trends reflect growing global demand for raw and value-added cashew products and Nigeria’s increasing relevance in the nut trade.
“Nigeria currently ranks 4th globally in cashew nut production. These figures signal that the time to invest, innovate, and scale the cashew value chain is now,” she said.
She highlighted opportunities including rising global demand, growing awareness of cashews as a nutritious food, potential for local value addition, and improved livelihoods for smallholder farmers.
However, Ayeni acknowledged challenges such as price volatility, climate risks, quality control, and limited financing for farmers. NEPC pledged to deepen public-private collaboration, expand technical support, and improve institutional frameworks to drive sustainable growth.
NEPC urged farmers, processors, exporters, policymakers, and investors to work collectively to position Nigeria not only as a cashew exporter but also as a hub for premium, value-added cashew products in the global market.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
