Year-End Cashew Price Update 2025: Raw Material Peaks, Strategy for Global Buyers

Year-End Cashew Price Update 2025: Raw Material Peaks, Strategy for Global Buyers

1. Market Snapshot: High-Price Season for Cashew

As we move into the final months of 2025, the cashew industry is entering a high-cost raw material environment. Demand for quality kernels remains stable to strong, while premium raw cashew nut (RCN) supply is tight, pushing prices to levels that many factories and importers have not seen for several years.

For B2B buyers, this is not a typical “discount season”. Instead, it is a period that requires smarter sourcing, reliable partners, and careful margin planning.

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2. Updated Raw Material Levels (Reference)

Based on current market indications:

RCN for WW240 & WW320 Production

• Current indication: 1,600 – 1,650 USD/MT

• Applicable to lots suitable for stable WW240 / WW320 yields.

• This range reflects a strong and elevated level compared to previous years, signalling sustained cost pressure at the kernel level.

RCN for WW160 – WW180 – WW210 Production

• Current indication: 1,850 – 2,000 USD/MT

• This segment targets high outturn, premium-quality RCN to produce top-grade kernels such as WW160, WW180 and WW210.

• This is effectively a multi-year peak for premium RCN, driven by limited availability and strong competition among processors.

Key takeaway for importers:
At these raw material levels, profitability on kernel imports depends heavily on:

• Accurate yield management

• Strict quality control

• Working with processors who can convert expensive raw material into consistent, specification-compliant kernels without excessive breakage or rejection.

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3. Why Prices Are High: Four Core Drivers

1. Tight Premium RCN Supply

Weather, logistics, and quality inconsistencies in key origins have reduced the share of top-grade, high-outturn RCN. Premium lots are limited, and competition for them is intense.

2. Strong Competition Among Processors

Vietnamese, Indian and regional processors are all actively securing raw material for Q4–Q1 programs (Christmas, Lunar New Year, Ramadan, Diwali, private label contracts), pushing bids for good RCN upward.

3. Resilient Demand for High-Grade Kernels

Retailers, roasters, brand owners and importers serving mid–high-end consumers are not willing to compromise on quality. As a result, demand for WW240, WW320, WW180 and other premium grades remains solid, supporting higher raw material costs.

4. Structural Cost & Risk Factors

While lower than crisis peaks, logistics, labor, compliance, finance, and quality assurance costs are still higher than pre-pandemic norms. These structural elements are now embedded into the “new normal” pricing.

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4. Impact on Cashew Kernel Offers

With raw material in the range of 1,600–2,000 USD/MT, kernel offers naturally reflect:

• Limited room for deep discounting without sacrificing quality.

• Increased sensitivity to:

  • Outturn & grade distribution

  • Breakage ratios

  • Moisture, color, and microbiological standards

  • Traceability & certifications (BRC, HACCP, Halal, Kosher, etc.)

In this environment, the real competitive edge is not “the lowest price per kg” but:

• The ability to supply stable, compliant, on-time shipments.

• Transparent conversion from RCN to kernels, ensuring buyers truly get what they pay for.

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5. Short-Term Outlook (Q4 2025 – Early 2026)

This is a market-oriented outlook, not an investment recommendation.

1. Until the end of the festive and high-consumption season:

   • Premium RCN for 240–320 is likely to stay firm in a high range.

   • RCN for 160–210 is expected to remain elevated, with only limited downside unless supply improves significantly.

   • Kernel prices for major grades are expected to hold or move within a narrow upward/downward band, supported by contract demand.

2. Into the new crop period 2026:

   • A good crop in key origins could ease pressure and create selective buying opportunities.

   • If weather, logistics or geopolitics worsen, today’s “high” levels may evolve into the new structural baseline.

For serious importers, this is the time to plan ahead, not to wait blindly.

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6. Strategic Recommendations for Importers & Roasters

1. Diversify Timing & Structure of Purchases

• Avoid taking 100% exposure at one single price point.

• Consider:

  • Partial fixed-price contracts for security

  • Partial flexible/adjustable pricing linked to observed market levels

2. Work with Technically Strong Processors

Choose partners who:

• Operate their own factories

• Control input RCN, grading, peeling, sorting and packing in-house

• Provide:

  • Consistent WW240, WW320, WW180, etc.

  • Clear specifications

  • Full documentation & quality reports

  • Transparent communication on yield and quality

This is how you convert high raw material cost into reliable, sellable product, instead of unexpected losses.

3. Focus on Value-Added & Brand-Building Segments

In a high-cost cycle, margin protection often comes from:

• Roasted & salted kernels

• Flavored cashews

• Retail packs & private label solutions

• Tailor-made specifications for specific channels

These formats allow better pricing power than pure bulk commodity play.

4. Secure Mid-Term Cooperation

Discuss 3–6 month or seasonal plans with selected suppliers:

• Target volumes

• Mix of grades (WW320 / WW240 / WW180 / pieces)

• Packing formats (bulk, tins, vacuum, retail)

• Payment & shipment schedules

A structured cooperation helps both sides stabilize:

• Cost of goods

• Supply reliability

• Retail and B2B pricing strategy

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7. Closing & Suggested

Year-end 2025 confirms one clear message: premium cashew is a strategic product, not a spot gamble. In a market where raw material is at multi-year highs, choosing the right partner is the most effective hedge.

If you’re looking for stable, factory-direct cashew supply from Vietnam with a focus on quality, compliance, and long-term cooperation, our team is ready to support you with:

• Updated price indications for WW160 / WW180 / WW210 / WW240 / WW320 and other grades

• Bulk packing & private label solutions

• Transparent quality control and documentation

👉 Contact our sales team via the email or WhatsApp listed on this website to request a customized quotation and procurement plan for Q4 2025 – Q1 2026.