Arabfields, Maleeka Kassou, East, West & Central Africa Agriculture Correspondent — Ivory Coast has introduced a cautious reduction in its guaranteed farmgate price for raw cashew nuts, setting the minimum at 400 CFA francs per kilogram for the new marketing season, a decline of about 6% from the previous level of 425 CFA francs.

The decision reflects growing uncertainty in the international cashew market as weaker global demand and currency fluctuations continue to affect exporters and processors. Government officials said the adjustment is intended to protect producers while ensuring that the country’s harvest remains competitive in export markets.

For many farmers, the announcement has been met with mixed feelings. Some producers expressed concern that lower prices could reduce household income during the harvest period, while others acknowledged that maintaining stable market access is preferable to facing unsold stocks if international demand weakens further.

Ivory Coast remains the world’s largest producer of raw cashew nuts, with production exceeding 1.4 million metric tons in 2026. The country has also continued expanding its domestic processing industry, allowing a larger share of the harvest to be transformed locally before export, creating additional employment opportunities across producing regions.

Officials stressed that the current farmgate price is not necessarily final. If international demand strengthens and export conditions improve during the season, authorities may consider revising the guaranteed price upward, as has happened in previous campaigns.

Market analysts expect global cashew trade to remain cautious in the coming months. However, increasing processing capacity in West Africa and the gradual recovery of demand in major importing regions could provide stronger price support later in the year. If these trends continue, producers may benefit from improved market conditions while the country further strengthens its position as the leading supplier in the global cashew industry.