Vietnam is the world's cashew kitchen. It buys raw cashew nuts from Africa and Cambodia, shells and grades them, and ships the white kernels to snack makers and roasters on every continent. In 2025 Vietnam's exports under HS 0801 reached US$4.72 billion, up 21.0% on 2024 and the highest value in the last ten years.
This guide explains the HS codes, shows where Vietnamese cashews go, and lists the 2026 trade rules that matter to importers in China, the United States, Europe and the Middle East.
Vietnam Cashew Exports: Key Numbers
| Indicator | Figure |
|---|---|
| HS 0801 exports, 2025 | US$4,721.4 million |
| Change vs 2024 | +21.0% (from US$3,903.5 million) |
| Change vs 2016 | +68.0% (from US$2,810.7 million) |
| Lowest year in 2016–2025 | 2022: US$2,647.9 million |
| Share of world HS 0801 exports, 2025 | 34.2% (world total US$13,795.7 million) |
| World rank, 2025 | No. 1 exporter, ahead of Cote d'Ivoire (US$1,996.7 million) |
| Largest buyer, 2025 | China: US$1,123.1 million (23.8%) |
| Share of Vietnam's total exports, 2025 | 1.0% (total US$472.9 billion) |
The trend is not a straight line. Exports dipped from 2018 to 2020 and fell 18.4% in 2022, then grew three years in a row: +14.8% in 2023, +28.4% in 2024 and +21.0% in 2025.
HS Codes for Cashew Nuts
Cashews sit in heading 0801 with coconuts and Brazil nuts. The six-digit split is the same in every country; the 8- or 10-digit lines differ by importer.
| HS code | Description | Notes for buyers |
|---|---|---|
| 0801 | Coconuts, Brazil nuts and cashew nuts, fresh or dried | All figures in this guide are for the full heading |
| 0801.31 | Cashew nuts, in shell | Raw cashew nuts (RCN); Vietnam mostly imports these |
| 0801.32 | Cashew nuts, shelled | White kernels (W180, W240, W320, W450), splits and pieces: Vietnam's main export |
| 0801.11 / 0801.12 / 0801.19 | Coconuts: desiccated, in inner shell, other | Vietnam also ships coconuts under this heading |
| 2008.19 | Nuts, otherwise prepared or preserved | Roasted, salted or flavoured cashews usually fall here, not in 0801 |
One caution: HS 0801 also covers coconuts, and Vietnam began shipping fresh coconuts to China under a protocol signed in August 2024. Cashew kernels make up most of the heading, but part of the 2025 growth to China may be coconuts. Use the six-digit code 0801.32 when you search shipment records for kernels only.
What Vietnam Exports Under HS 0801
Vietnam's processors sell graded kernels. Whole white kernels are graded by count per pound: W180 is the largest and most expensive, W240 and W320 are the trade's workhorses, and W450 is the smallest whole grade. Scorched (SW) and dessert grades, butts, splits and pieces go to bakeries, chocolate makers and ingredient buyers. Most kernels are shipped vacuum-packed in tins or foil bags inside cartons, with nitrogen or CO2 flushing.
Most of the raw nuts are imported. Vietnamese industry data show Cambodia as the top single supplier of raw cashew nuts in 2025, with West African countries such as Cote d'Ivoire supplying most of the rest. This matters for buyers: crop size in Africa and Cambodia drives kernel prices in Vietnam.
Where Vietnamese Cashews Go
| Market | 2024 (US$ m) | 2025 (US$ m) | Change | Share 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | 741.5 | 1,123.1 | +51.5% | 23.8% |
| United States | 903.7 | 743.3 | -17.7% | 15.7% |
| Netherlands | 405.4 | 501.5 | +23.7% | 10.6% |
| Turkiye | 173.8 | 283.8 | +63.2% | 6.0% |
| United Arab Emirates | 159.5 | 197.7 | +23.9% | 4.2% |
| Germany | 141.4 | 195.7 | +38.4% | 4.1% |
| United Kingdom | 93.9 | 134.7 | +43.4% | 2.9% |
| Saudi Arabia | 81.7 | 132.1 | +61.6% | 2.8% |
| Australia | 89.7 | 100.3 | +11.8% | 2.1% |
| Thailand | 106.4 | 95.1 | -10.7% | 2.0% |
In 2025 China overtook the United States as the largest buyer. US purchases fell 17.7% to US$743.3 million, well below the 2017 peak of US$1,159.5 million. Almost every other large market grew.
Buyer Markets to Watch
- Middle East. Turkiye, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Israel together bought US$757.5 million in 2025, more than the United States. Turkiye alone grew from US$18.2 million in 2016 to US$283.8 million.
- European Union. The Netherlands is the main EU entry port. With Germany, Lithuania, France, Spain, Italy and Greece, the EU markets in the top 25 bought at least US$1,004.4 million in 2025.
- Asia-Pacific. Japan grew 41.5% to US$69.9 million and Australia bought US$100.3 million.
Vietnam is far ahead of every other exporter. Cote d'Ivoire, the largest raw-nut grower, exported US$1,996.7 million in 2025, and Cambodia rose from almost nothing in 2016 to US$806.9 million as it began shipping more of its own crop.
| Exporter | 2016 (US$ m) | 2025 (US$ m) | Share of world 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam | 2,810.7 | 4,721.4 | 34.2% |
| Cote d'Ivoire | 862.8 | 1,996.7 | 14.5% |
| Indonesia | 373.4 | 924.2 | 6.7% |
| Cambodia | 0.3 | 806.9 | 5.8% |
| Ghana | 1,006.3 | 626.4 | 4.5% |
| India | 836.0 | 534.9 | 3.9% |
| Nigeria | 31.7 | 533.4 | 3.9% |
India, once a major kernel exporter, shipped less in 2025 than in 2016, while Vietnam's lead widened. For buyers this means one origin supplies about a third of the world market, so conditions in Vietnam weigh heavily on world kernel supply.
Reading Cashew Nuts in a Shipment Record
| Field | What to look for |
|---|---|
| HS code | 0801.32 for kernels; 0801.31 means raw nuts in shell; 2008.19 means roasted or flavoured |
| Product description | Grade (W240, W320, WS, LP, SP), crop year and packing, for example "cashew kernels W320, 2 x 25 lb tins" |
| Quantity and unit | Usually kg or lb, with the number of cartons or tins |
| Unit value | Divide value by kilograms to compare grades and exporters |
| Port of loading | Mostly ports in the Ho Chi Minh City area, near the main processing provinces of the south-east |
| Consignee | Roasters, nut packers and importers; repeat consignees show stable trade lanes |
How to Find Cashew Exporters and Suppliers in the Records
- Filter by HS 0801.32 and your country. This shows which Vietnamese processors already ship kernels to your market and in what grades.
- Check consistency. Exporters with monthly shipments over several years are usually safer than one-off traders.
- Compare unit prices by grade. A W320 price far below the market average can signal mixed grades or old crop.
- See who your competitors use. Consignee names show which suppliers serve the large roasters in your country.
What to Watch in 2026
| Topic | Status (checked 31 Oct 2026) | What it means for buyers |
|---|---|---|
| US Section 301 duty | Since 24 July 2026 most Vietnamese goods pay an extra 12.5% on top of the normal duty; exempt products are listed by HTS line in annexes | US importers should check whether their cashew line is on the exemption list before pricing |
| EU–Vietnam FTA (EVFTA) | In force since 1 August 2020; EU duty on processed cashews fell to 0% at entry into force | Ask for proof of origin to claim 0%; origin rules matter because most raw nuts are imported |
| CPTPP and RCEP | Vietnam is a member of CPTPP (since 14 January 2019) and RCEP (since 1 January 2022) | Buyers in Japan, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Korea and China can check preferential rates |
| EUDR | Applies from 30 December 2026 for large and medium operators | Cashews are not one of the covered commodities, so no geolocation file is needed |
| Raw-nut supply | Vietnam depends on imported raw nuts from Cambodia and Africa | Watch the African crop and Cambodia's own processing plans for price signals |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HS code for cashew nuts from Vietnam?
Shelled cashew kernels use HS 0801.32. Cashews in shell use 0801.31. Roasted or salted cashews are usually classified under 2008.19.
How much cashew did Vietnam export in 2025?
Vietnam's exports under HS 0801 were worth US$4.72 billion in 2025, up 21.0% on 2024. The heading also includes coconuts and Brazil nuts, but cashew kernels make up most of it.
Who buys the most cashews from Vietnam?
China was the largest buyer in 2025 with US$1,123.1 million, followed by the United States (US$743.3 million) and the Netherlands (US$501.5 million).
Is Vietnam the biggest cashew exporter in the world?
Yes. Vietnam supplied 34.2% of world HS 0801 exports in 2025, more than twice Cote d'Ivoire's 14.5%.
Do US importers pay extra duty on Vietnamese cashews in 2026?
Since 24 July 2026 a 12.5% Section 301 duty applies to most Vietnamese goods, with exemptions listed by tariff line. Check your exact HTS line against the exemption annex before you import.
Are cashews covered by the EU deforestation rules?
No. The EUDR covers cattle, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, rubber, soya and wood. Cashews are not on the list.
Search Vietnam Cashew Trade Data
Our Vietnam export data lets you filter shipments by HS code 0801.32 and by destination, so you can see every Vietnamese cashew exporter, its buyers, grades, quantities, values and ports. Request a free sample of cashew shipment records for your market.
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Disclaimer: Vietnam Import Export Data provides shipment records and trade datasets. We do not buy or sell any products. For purchasing or selling enquiries, please contact the importers and exporters listed in our datasets.
