How Tanzania's raw cashew auctions work: licences, TMX bidding, payment and collection
Tanzania sells its raw cashew nuts through electronic auctions run by the Tanzania Mercantile Exchange (TMX) with the Cashewnut Board of Tanzania (CBT). This guide follows the 2025/26 trading procedure step by step.
Updated November 6, 2026 · 2 sources
Before the season
- Get a raw cashew buying licence from the Cashewnut Board of Tanzania for the season.
- Fill in the buyer declaration form online; the Board checks it before you are registered on the TMX Online Trading System.
- Without a licence you cannot bid or buy.
The auction
- Nuts are stored in licensed warehouses and listed in catalogues by cooperative and quantity, using the warehouse receipt system.
- Buyers can place pre-bids; the highest pre-bid opens the live bidding.
- Each lot runs for about 60 seconds, with extra time to top up a bid, and lots are sold all or none.
- The cooperative union confirms the sale shortly after the auction closes.
Payment and collection
| Step | Time limit |
|---|---|
| Collect the sales invoice from the cooperative union | Within 24 hours of the auction |
| Pay the invoice, plus charges and levies | Within 5 working days of receiving it |
| Collect the nuts from the warehouse | Within 14 days, starting 5 days after payment |
Late payment means the nuts are sold again. Buyers can check quality before collecting, and nuts from Mtwara, Lindi and Ruvuma ship through Mtwara port.
Compare cashew lots or post what you want to buy, including a minimum KOR.
Frequently asked questions
Who runs Tanzania's cashew auctions?
The Tanzania Mercantile Exchange (TMX) together with the Cashewnut Board of Tanzania, the Warehouse Receipts Regulatory Board and cooperative authorities.
How long do buyers have to pay?
Within 5 working days of receiving the sales invoice, or the nuts are auctioned again.
Which port do southern cashews ship from?
Raw cashews from Mtwara, Lindi and Ruvuma must ship through Mtwara port.
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.