Cashew Production by Country 2025

Cashews are one of the most popular nuts in the world, and for some countries like the Ivory Coast, India, and others, cashews are also big business. Here is a look at cashew production by country from the biggest producers to those that produce less than 100 metric tons annually, like Thailand.

Top 10 Countries that Produce the Most Cashews

Cashews are more than a popular and healthy food, and as this cashew production by country list reveals, cashews are also in high demand. For many of these countries, the revenues from cashew exports is also an important part of their economy. Good to eat, good for our health, and even good for the finances of some - there is a lot to love about cashews.

Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast produced 1,044,450 metric tons of cashews in 2023, making it the world’s largest producer. Cashews play a key role in Ivorian agriculture and are often called “gray gold” for their economic importance. Most are grown in the northern regions such as Korhogo and Boundiali, and while local consumption is modest, exports—mainly to India and Vietnam—form a major source of national revenue.

India

India produced 782,000 metric tons of cashews in 2023, ranking second globally. Cashews are deeply woven into Indian cuisine, from sweets like kaju katli to festive curries and desserts. Major growing areas include Kerala, Maharashtra, and Goa, with India processing a large share for both domestic use and export—especially to the Middle East and Western markets.

Vietnam

Vietnam produced 347,635 metric tons of cashews in 2023. Cashews are a key agricultural commodity and cultural export, symbolizing craftsmanship and entrepreneurship. While much of the raw crop is imported for processing, Vietnam remains the world’s leading exporter of processed cashew kernels thanks to its advanced shelling and roasting industry.

Benin

Benin grew 203,844 metric tons of cashews in 2023, positioning it among Africa’s fastest-growing producers. Cashews have become a major cash crop for smallholder farmers and a vital source of rural income. Most production occurs in the northern regions like Borgou, and exports—mainly raw nuts sent to Asia—account for a significant share of agricultural earnings.

Tanzania

Tanzania was responsible for 189,114 metric tons of cashews. Cashews are part of the coastal culture, often linked with smallholder livelihoods along the southern shoreline. Key production areas include Mtwara and Lindi, and while the country exports the majority of its nuts, local initiatives aim to expand domestic processing and value-added exports.

Indonesia

Indonesia produced 164,152 metric tons of cashews in 2023, placing sixth. Cashews are widely grown and used in local snacks, sweets, and traditional dishes. The crop thrives in eastern provinces like Sulawesi and Nusa Tenggara, and while exports remain steady, domestic consumption is rising alongside Indonesia’s growing middle class.

Mozambique

Mozambique grew 157,496 metric tons of cashews, placing seventh for 2023. Cashews are both a historic and cultural staple here, once a cornerstone of the colonial economy and still vital today. Most trees grow in the northern provinces of Nampula and Cabo Delgado, where government programs promote replanting and local processing to increase export value.

Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso, the eighth producer of cashews globally, grew 143,965 metric tons of cashews in 2023. The nut is an important livelihood crop and a symbol of resilience in the country’s semi-arid regions. Cashews are cultivated mainly in the southwest, with most of the harvest exported raw and processing capacity expanding gradually to capture more of the value chain.

Philippines

Number nine, the Philippines produced 136,264 metric tons of cashews in 2023. Cashews hold a special place in Filipino cuisine, appearing in pastries, candies, and souvenirs from Palawan. Palawan and Luzon dominate production, and while domestic consumption is strong, the country also exports roasted nuts and cashew-based treats to regional markets.

Brazil

Rounding out this list, Brazil produced 127,931 metric tons of cashews in 2023. Cashews are a traditional crop in northeastern Brazil, where the cashew fruit and nut both feature in local culture and cuisine. Ceará and Piauí are leading producers, and Brazil exports both raw nuts and processed kernels while also consuming large quantities of the fresh cashew fruit juice known as cajuína.