The Almond Institute of Mozambique (IAM) has expressed its concern about the increase in cashew nut smuggling in the country, emphasising that the illegally acquired product is then sent to the South African and Tanzanian markets.
‘South Africa and Tanzania are the favoured destinations for cashew nuts smuggled into Mozambique. This is a worrying factor that contributes to the reduction in revenue,’ said the director of IAM’s Central Services, Elisa Macome.
The official, quoted by Radio Moçambique, called on everyone to collaborate in order to stop this phenomenon. ‘We must improve in all sectors, at the borders. Customs are called upon to work in an interconnected way and with greater vigilance. A lot of cashew nuts get out.’
Cashew nuts are seen as a promising commodity on the global market. It is currently considered an important crop for Mozambique’s economy, and a source of income for more than a million producer families. The province of Nampula, in the northern region, is one of the largest cashew nut producers and processors in the country, a sector that also employs more than 8,000 people.
Recently, the Almond Institute of Mozambique said that it expects to export more than 160,000 tonnes of cashew nuts this year, exceeding the target of 152,000 tonnes previously estimated by the Executive.
Last year, Mozambique and China signed an agreement allowing the export of new Mozambican agricultural products without customs duties. The new products covered by the agreement are macadamia nuts, pigeon peas and cashew nuts, which can be exported to the Chinese market without the application of tariffs, reinforcing opportunities for Mozambican agricultural producers.
The agreement, valid for three years and automatically renewed, was initialled by Mozambique’s ambassador to China, Maria Gustavo, and the Chinese ambassador to Mozambique, Wang Hejun.
Last August, the Bank of Mozambique (BoM) revealed that cashew nut exports fell by 32.6 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2024, standing at 2.1 billion meticals (34.3 million dollars).
According to the central bank, this significant drop was mainly due to unfavourable weather conditions, namely the occurrence of cyclones and heavy rains, which affected the provinces of Gaza, Inhambane, Manica and Sofala during the months of December (2023), January, February and March (2024).
India continues to be the main destination for Mozambican cashew nut exports, along with other products such as natural gas, mineral coal and dried or grain legumes.
