How to buy and export raw cashew nuts: Côte d'Ivoire, Tanzania and West Africa

Raw cashew nuts are grown across West and East Africa and Asia, and most are shipped to Vietnam and India for processing. Each producing country runs its own season rules. This guide explains the main ones.

Updated November 6, 2026 · 3 sources

Season timing

Country	Approximate season
Côte d'Ivoire	February–March to about July
Guinea-Bissau	April to July
Nigeria, Benin	February–March to June
Tanzania	Auctions about October to January
India, Vietnam	Harvest about February to May

Côte d'Ivoire

The Conseil du Coton et de l'Anacarde opens the season, sets a minimum farmgate price and approves buyers and exporters.

Tanzania

Raw nuts are stored in licensed warehouses and sold through electronic auctions run by the Tanzania Mercantile Exchange (TMX) with the Cashewnut Board of Tanzania. Buyers need a buying licence from the Board, pay within the set time after the auction and collect from the warehouse. Nuts from the south ship through Mtwara.

Steps to a first purchase

Agree the origin, KOR (outturn), nut count and moisture.
Ask for a cutting test from an independent inspector.
Agree the packing (jute bags of about 80 kg), Incoterm and payment.
Plan shipping and fumigation, and check the importing country's rules.

See cashew lots or list your cashews.

Frequently asked questions

What is RCN?

Raw cashew nuts: dried nuts still in the shell, before processing into kernels.

Who can buy at Tanzania's cashew auctions?

Buyers holding a raw cashew buying licence from the Cashewnut Board of Tanzania who are registered on the auction system.

Where are most raw cashews processed?

Mainly in Vietnam and India, although processing in Africa is growing.

Sources

Checked on November 6, 2026. Laws, rules and prices change: always check the official source before you trade. This guide is general information, not legal advice.