Tanzania’s cashew farmers earn US$635.29M as production hits record high
TANZANIA – Tanzania’s cashew growers have earned a total of Tsh 1.62 trillion (US$635.29M) from the sale of raw cashew nuts during the ongoing 2024/25 trading season, according to the Cashew Nut Board of Tanzania (CBT).
CBT Director General Alfred Francis revealed that 320,476 tonnes of raw cashews have been sold since the auctions began on October 11, 2024.
He noted that this season’s production has reached a historic high, surpassing previous records and benefiting farmers with substantial earnings.
“This season’s production of cashew nuts has reached a historic high, rewarding farmers with significant earnings in just six weeks,” Francis said during a press briefing on market trends and raw cashew sales.
He encouraged farmers to continue bringing their cashew stocks to warehouses for sale, as auctions remain ongoing in various cashew-growing regions.
Despite the strong production, cashew prices have declined due to sluggish demand in the global market. At the start of the season, cashew prices ranged between Tsh 4,000 (US$1.57) and Tsh 3,000 (US$1.18) per kilogramme but have since dropped to Tsh 2,900 (US$1.14).
Francis attributed this decline to reduced demand and fewer buyers bidding at auctions, as many had already secured sufficient stock early in the season. However, he noted that prices remain relatively favorable based on global demand.
Meanwhile, the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring all exported cashews are transported via Mtwara Port, as directed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Mtwara Port Manager Ferdinand Nyathi reported that 79,000 tonnes of cashews have already been shipped abroad through the port using five different vessels.
“So far, 79,000 tonnes have been handled and shipped abroad through Mtwara Port,” Nyathi said.
In an effort to boost local processing, Tanzania announced plans to construct four new cashew processing facilities by the 2025/26 season.
These include a factory at the Maranje Industrial Cluster in Mtwara Rural district, two factories in Tandahimba and Newala under the Tanzania National Cashew Cooperative Union (Tanecu), and another by the Tunduru Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Union (TAMCU).
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