2025 Vietnam Cashew Nuts (HS 080132) Export: Tariff Volatility

Key Takeaways

Cashew Nuts, classified under HS Code 080132, exhibited tariff-driven volatility from January to October 2025.

• Market Pulse: Exports surged 35.9% MoM in February, peaked at $564.4M in May, then contracted -13.1% in June due to U.S. tariff adjustments, stabilizing at $529.4M by October.
• Structural Shift: Vietnam Cashew Nuts Export reliance on China (18.14% of value) and a handful of bulk buyers (80% of trade) creates concentration risk, despite Iraq’s premium pricing (5.06% value from 1.07% volume).
• Product Logic: HS Code 080132 trade data reveals 100% shelled cashew exports, signaling a value-added niche where quality and processing standards outweigh price competition.

This overview covers the period from January to October 2025 and is based on verified customs data from the yTrade database.

Vietnam Cashew Nuts (HS Code 080132) Key Metrics Trend

Market Trend Summary

The Vietnam Cashew Nuts Export trend from January to October 2025 shows a three-phase trajectory: strong initial growth, a mid-year contraction, and a steady Q3-Q4 recovery. Exports surged 35.9% month-on-month in February, building to a May peak of $564.4M before declining -13.1% in June. Values stabilized in Q3, rising modestly to $529.4M by October. The overall curve reflects tariff-driven volatility superimposed on underlying demand growth.

Drivers & Industry Context

The mid-2025 dip aligns with the U.S. 20% tariff implementation on August 7, 2025, which triggered front-loaded shipments in early 2025 followed by a June-July contraction as exporters adjusted [DHL]. Concurrently, China’s emergence as Vietnam’s top cashew market—with Q1 exports rising 43% year-on-year—supported the rebound, cushioning the tariff impact [VnCommEx]. The sustained hs code 080132 value growth to $4.5B+ annually reflects diversification efforts and streamlined customs under Decree 167/2025 (DHL), though U.S. tariff conditions remain a structural headwind.

Table: Vietnam Cashew Nuts Export Trend (Source: yTrade)

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Vietnam HS Code 080132 Export Breakdown

Market Composition & Top Categories

Vietnam's HS Code 080132 export market is entirely dominated by shelled cashew nuts, which accounted for 100% of the total export value of 4.58 billion USD from January to October 2025. According to yTrade data, this single category represented the entirety of Vietnam HS Code 080132 Export activity for this period, with no other sub-codes registering any share. The complete focus on shelled nuts indicates a highly specialized export profile for this code.

Value Chain & Strategic Insights

The export structure for HS Code 080132 breakdown shows a focus on processed goods rather than raw commodities, as all exports are shelled cashews. This suggests a market driven by quality and processing standards rather than pure volume or price sensitivity. The trade structure implies Vietnam is exporting a value-added product, positioning it in a specialized segment where consistent quality and reliability are likely key competitive factors.

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Vietnam Cashew Nuts Destination Countries

Geographic Concentration & Market Risk

China dominates Vietnam's cashew nuts export strategy, accounting for 18.14% of total value from Jan to Oct 2025. This heavy reliance on a single market creates significant exposure to any demand shifts or trade policy changes from China. The United States and Vietnam follow as secondary destinations, but the export profile remains heavily concentrated. Vietnam Cashew Nuts export destinations show a classic pattern of high geographic dependency that requires careful risk management.

Purchasing Behavior & Demand Segmentation

Iraq emerges as a premium market, generating 5.06% of total value from just 1.07% of volume, indicating strong demand for high-quality cashew nuts at superior unit prices. In contrast, the United States and Vietnam show commodity-scale purchasing with high volume ratios (15.02% and 9.28%) relative to their value shares, reflecting price-sensitive bulk procurement. These trade partners for Cashew Nuts present both margin potential in selective markets and volume scale in established relationships, requiring differentiated export strategies.

Table: Vietnam Cashew Nuts (HS Code 080132) Top Destination Countries (Source: yTrade)

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Vietnam Cashew Nuts Buyer Companies Analysis

Buyer Concentration & Market Structure

According to yTrade data, Vietnam Cashew Nuts buyers are overwhelmingly dominated by a core group of high-volume, repeat customers. This segment, representing over 80% of the total export value, indicates a market built on stable, contract-based supply chains with major processors and distributors. The presence of companies like Olam International underscores a mature export ecosystem where long-term relationships and consistent volume define trade flows.

Purchasing Behavior & Sales Strategy

The heavy reliance on a few key accounts creates significant concentration risk; losing even one major buyer could severely impact revenue. A sales strategy must therefore prioritize relationship management and contract security with these established partners, especially as a new 20% U.S. tariff took effect in August 2025 [Vizion]. Diversifying into the smaller but valuable low-frequency buyer segments could mitigate this vulnerability while capitalizing on emerging HS Code 080132 buyer trends.

Table: Vietnam Cashew Nuts (HS Code 080132) Top Buyers List (Source: yTrade)

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Action Plan for Cashew Nuts Market Operation and Expansion

• Diversify buyer portfolios: Mitigate reliance on top clients (80% of revenue) by targeting low-frequency buyers in premium markets like Iraq, where unit prices are 4.7x higher than volume-driven markets.
• Shift U.S. tariff exposure: Leverage Decree 167/2025’s streamlined customs to redirect shipments to China (43% YoY Q1 growth) and Vietnam (9.28% volume share) while hedging against further U.S. trade barriers.
• Lock in contracts with China: Secure long-term agreements with Chinese buyers to offset U.S. demand volatility, given China’s 18.14% value share and rising import appetite.
• Audit logistics costs: Bulk shipments to the U.S. and Vietnam (15.02% and 9.28% volume shares) require cost optimization to preserve margins amid tariff pressures.
• Brand premium shelled cashews: Capitalize on Iraq’s high-value demand (5.06% of revenue) with quality certifications or technical specs to justify price premiums.

Take Action Now —— Explore Vietnam Cashew Nuts HS Code 080132 Export Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in Vietnam Cashew Nuts Export in 2025?

Vietnam's cashew exports surged early in 2025 but dipped mid-year due to U.S. tariff implementation, then stabilized as China's demand grew, offsetting losses. The market remains volatile, with tariff adjustments and geographic diversification shaping trade flows.

Q2. Who are the main destination countries of Vietnam Cashew Nuts (HS Code 080132) in 2025?

China dominates with 18.14% of export value, followed by the U.S. and Vietnam. Iraq, though smaller in volume (1.07%), contributes 5.06% of total value as a premium market.

Q3. Why does the unit price differ across destination countries of Vietnam Cashew Nuts Export in 2025?

Iraq pays premium prices for high-quality shelled cashews, while the U.S. and Vietnam focus on bulk purchases at lower unit prices, reflecting divergent demand segments.

Q4. What should exporters in Vietnam focus on in the current Cashew Nuts export market?

Exporters must prioritize relationship management with core buyers (80% of trade) while diversifying into emerging markets like Iraq to mitigate concentration risks from China and U.S. tariffs.

Q5. What does this Vietnam Cashew Nuts export pattern mean for buyers in partner countries?

Buyers in China and the U.S. benefit from stable supply chains, while niche markets like Iraq can access high-quality shelled cashews at premium prices.

Q6. How is Cashew Nuts typically used in this trade flow?

Vietnam exclusively exports shelled cashews (100% of HS Code 080132), indicating a focus on value-added processed goods for direct consumption or further manufacturing.

Detailed Monthly and Quarterly Report

Vietnam HS Code 080132 Export Data Snapshot 2025 JAN

Vietnam HS Code 080132 Export Data Snapshot 2025 FEB

Vietnam HS Code 080132 Export Data Snapshot 2025 MAR

Vietnam HS Code 080132 Export Data Snapshot 2025 APR

Vietnam HS Code 080132 Export Data Snapshot 2025 JUN

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Vietnam HS Code 080132 Export Data Snapshot 2025 AUG

Vietnam HS Code 080132 Export Data Snapshot 2025 SEP

Vietnam HS Code 080132 Export Data Snapshot 2025 Q1

Vietnam HS Code 080132 Export Data Snapshot 2025 Q2

Vietnam HS Code 080132 Export Data Snapshot 2025 Q3