The Government has decided to maintain the reference price for cashew nuts at 45 meticais per kilogram for the 2025–26 marketing season. The goal is to ensure the sector’s sustainability, as cashew remains one of Mozambique’s main cash crops and continues to show strong growth.
“We will keep the reference price at 45 meticais and continue to monitor market conditions. This committee may meet again should there be significant market fluctuations to discuss setting a new reference price if necessary,” explained Momade Juízo, Secretary of State for the Sea and Fisheries, stressing the importance of fair incentives and remuneration for those working along the value chain.
Speaking on Friday, October 10, in Maputo, during the first session of the Almond Committee, held annually to define the cashew purchase reference price for each marketing season, the official pointed out financial challenges that have led to the closure of several processing units in recent years.
“The national cashew processing industry has faced difficulties in recent years due to macroeconomic conditions, which have increased production costs and weakened the financial capacity of many companies, leading to the shutdown of some units for lack of capital and raw material,” he emphasized.
Momade Juízo also announced that Mozambique is preparing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chinese Government to open a new export market for cashew and macadamia nuts. “This agreement will bring direct benefits to our producers, processors, and exporters by expanding marketing opportunities for these products,” he assured.
Cashew exports from Mozambique continue to rise, reaching US$38.7 million (MZN 2.4 billion) in the first quarter, making cashew the top traditional export product, according to data from the Bank of Mozambique (BdM).
According to the BdM report, this performance compares with US$34.3 million (MZN 2.2 billion) exported during the same period in 2024. Cashew has now surpassed tobacco, vegetables, bananas, and rubies as the country’s leading traditional export.
The Government estimates that cashew production will increase by 23% this year, reaching 218,900 tons, while the cultivated area will expand by 26% to 64,000 hectares, compared to 50,600 hectares in the previous season.
During the current agricultural season, the plan includes the production, distribution, and planting of 6.7 million cashew seedlings, an investment of US$1.4 million (MZN 90 million), along with the chemical treatment of 9.3 million cashew trees against pests and diseases, to strengthen the sector’s growth.
Mozambique’s cashew export revenues rose 71% in 2024, reaching a record US$98.2 million (MZN 6.2 billion), compared to US$57.3 million (MZN 3.6 billion) in 2023, according to the BdM.
Source: Diário Económico
