1. Vietnam Maintains Its Leading Position
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In the overall market context, Vietnam continues to dominate Turkey’s cashew import market, accounting for 87.1% of total import value in the first seven months of 2025.
Vietnam exported over 12.5 thousand tons of shelled cashew nuts (HS 08013200) to Turkey, with a total export value of USD 90.88 million, marking a 56.6% increase in export value compared with the same period in 2024.
This sharp rise can be attributed to:
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Strong consumer demand for healthy snack foods, including cashews, amid stable household consumption levels in Turkey.
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A decline in general import volumes but growth in consumer goods imports, reflecting resilient demand in 2025.
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Cashews’ continued popularity as a premium, nutritious snack favored by Turkish consumers.
2. Turkey’s Import Trends
According to data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK), during the first seven months of 2025, Turkey imported more than 14.7 thousand tons of shelled cashews (HS 08013200), up 5.6% year-on-year, with a total import value of USD 104.4 million, an impressive 41.5% increase over the same period in 2024.
This indicates that while import volumes grew moderately, the average import price surged significantly, reflecting both global price hikes and the rising demand for premium-quality cashews.
3. Côte d’Ivoire’s Rising Market Share
Côte d’Ivoire ranked second in Turkey’s cashew import market, with USD 10.9 million in export value, down 10.4% year-on-year, holding a 10.4% market share.
Although the gap with Vietnam remains wide, Ivorian cashews have been gaining gradual traction in recent years, largely due to lower prices compared with Vietnamese products.
However, Vietnamese cashews remain more highly regarded in Turkey for their consistent quality, size, and flavor, maintaining Vietnam’s competitive advantage in the premium segment.
4. Opportunities and Recommendations
To consolidate and expand market share, Vietnamese enterprises should:
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Enhance participation in trade promotion programs and major food industry exhibitions in Turkey, such as WorldFood Istanbul, CNR Food Istanbul, and other specialized trade fairs.
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Focus on B2B connections with Turkish processors, packagers, and distributors, who primarily import raw or semi-processed cashew kernels rather than fully branded or roasted cashews.
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Adapt export strategies by prioritizing bulk and kernel exports, while developing partnerships that could eventually allow Vietnamese-branded processed cashew products to enter the Turkish retail market.
5. Market Outlook
While competition from African suppliers such as Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria is increasing, Vietnam’s high-quality cashews, reliable supply chains, and strong reputation will continue to give it a strategic edge in the Turkish market.
With ongoing trade promotion and product adaptation to local preferences, Vietnam is well positioned to sustain its leadership in Turkey’s cashew import market through late 2025 and beyond.