Côte d'Ivoire has officially kicked off its cashew marketing campaign on February 7, 2026, in Yamoussoukro, establishing the farm gate price at 400 FCFA/kg. Although this price reflects a decrease attributed to the declining dollar rate, the key stakeholders in the industry remain optimistic, banking on boosting local processing capabilities of the nut to enhance economic returns.

Currently, only about 15% of the raw cashew nuts produced in Côte d'Ivoire are exported to the United States, with the country shifting its export focus towards Asian markets, particularly Vietnam, where Ivorian nuts are sold at a remarkable $1470/ton. This market trend indicates a robust demand for Ivorian cashews, supporting the confidence expressed by the Conseil Coton Anacarde, which anticipates a significant production output this year nearing 1.5 million tons, with approximately 700,000 tons expected to be processed locally.

The push for increased local transformation aims not only to improve the economic footprint of cashew production in the region but also to create jobs and support rural development. By enhancing local processing, Côte d'Ivoire may capitalize on its production capabilities, aiming to move up the value chain and potentially increase the income generated from each ton of cashews processed. This strategy reflects a broader initiative to strengthen the agricultural sector and enhance the competitive edge of Ivorian products in the global market.