Tanzania Cashew Prices Hit 5-Year High: What Exporters Need to Know

The Rally in Numbers

W180 cashew kernel prices in the spot market reached $4,250/MT in April 2025 — the highest level recorded since January 2020. The move has been driven by a confluence of supply and demand factors that experienced traders recognise as a structural shift, not a short-term spike.

What Is Driving Prices Higher?

Three forces are converging simultaneously:

• India's processing sector is rebuilding inventory after running stocks lean through late 2024. Indian processors are actively bidding for Tanzanian W180 and W210 kernels.
• Vietnam's 2024/25 domestic crop was below expectations, reducing the usual seasonal downward pressure on prices.
• Tanzania's 2024 harvest came in 8% below the five-year average, tightening available supply from the world's highest-quality production region.

Implications for Exporters

For exporters with product on hand, this is an opportune moment. However, several risks deserve attention:

Forward contracts at current prices offer protection, but buyers may request quality renegotiation if the market softens — ensure your contracts specify grade and moisture tolerances precisely.

What to Do Now

Exporters should consider locking in forward sales for at least 40–60% of available stock at current levels, keeping the remainder for spot market upside. Quality documentation and third-party inspection reports are particularly important at these price levels, as buyers will scrutinise deliveries more carefully.

Connect with verified international buyers directly on the XCASHEW marketplace to explore current demand.