“Green channel” for cashew export–import activities

Dong Nai Province is Vietnam’s cashew capital, with 176,000 hectares of cashew-growing area. The province’s cashew products have been granted the geographical indication. Vietnamese cashews are currently the world’s number one brand, with an annual export turnover of around USD 5 billion.

Cashew production for export at Hoang Phu Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Loc Tan Commune, Dong Nai Province. Photo: Binh Nguyen

To maintain its leading position in cashew exports and imports, Dong Nai is implementing a range of solutions to support and accompany businesses, with customs procedures identified as a key focus. The customs sector has proactively provided timely assistance, addressed obstacles, and ensured the smooth operation of cashew export–import activities.

Vietnam’s Cashew Capital

According to statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, by the end of October 2025, Vietnam had imported 2.6 million tons of raw cashew nuts worth over USD 4 billion, representing a 13.8% increase in volume and a more than 38% increase in value compared to the same period in 2024. Primary sources of imports include Cambodia (the largest supplier, accounting for nearly 39%), Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Ghana.

In the first 10 months of 2025, Vietnam’s cashew kernel exports reached approximately USD 4.25 billion, representing a nearly 19% year-over-year increase. For the first time, the industry is expected to reach a USD 5 billion export value by the end of this year.

Dong Nai continues to lead the nation, accounting for 50% of Vietnam’s total cashew export turnover. The province’s cashew products are present in more than 80 countries and territories. In the first 11 months of 2025, Dong Nai’s cashew export value exceeded USD 2.5 billion, making up nearly 7.9% of the province’s total export turnover.

Dong Nai remains the national leader, accounting for 50% of Vietnam’s total cashew export turnover. Nguyen Hoang Dat, Vice Chairman of the Dong Nai Cashew Association, stated that following the administrative merger, Dong Nai has gained more space to develop its cashew industry. This expansion creates opportunities for the province to increase plantation areas, boost export volumes, and enhance the quality of locally produced cashew nuts. The province continues to maintain its top national position in cashew exports firmly.

He also noted that with active support from provincial authorities, relevant departments, cashew import-export enterprises, and local farmers, Dong Nai is positioned to implement strategic efforts to build and elevate the province’s cashew brand, thereby contributing to the broader reputation of Vietnamese cashews in the global market.

Dat particularly emphasized that one of the key factors supporting the growth of the cashew industry and contributing to local economic development has been the maximum support from customs authorities in resolving import-related challenges, especially in sourcing raw cashew nuts from several African countries.

In recent times, issues related to packaging, labeling, and phytosanitary inspections have posed challenges for the import of raw cashews from Africa, resulting in delays in customs clearance. Recognizing these bottlenecks, Dong Nai Customs promptly stepped in to address the issues and create more favorable conditions for cashew import procedures.

Facilitating cashew export–import enterprises

According to the Customs Sub-Department of Region XVIII, the unit is currently processing customs procedures for more than 40 cashew import and export enterprises in Dong Nai. In recent times, cashew import and export activities through the province’s border gates have remained stable and unimpeded, strictly following professional procedures. Imported raw cashew nuts are primarily used as materials for export-oriented processing and production. As such, customs procedures for this commodity are typically classified under the “green channel,” creating the most favorable conditions for cashew businesses in Dong Nai.

A representative of the Customs Sub-Department of Region XVIII stated that most enterprises carrying out customs procedures at the unit import raw cashew nuts originating from Cambodia and African countries. As plant-based goods, these imports are subject to mandatory phytosanitary inspection. While the sub-department has proactively implemented professional measures to support enterprises, customs clearance can only proceed once phytosanitary results are issued in accordance with legal regulations.

Regarding customs procedures, import enterprises recently reported specific difficulties related to product labeling, arising from the reuse of packaging materials. However, these issues were promptly reported by the Customs Sub-Department of Region XVIII to the Customs Department. They were addressed through timely guidance, which helped facilitate the import and export activities of enterprises.

Le Thanh Van, Deputy Head of Customs Sub-Department of Region XVIII, stated that the unit has plans to attract more enterprises in the near future. Accordingly, it will ensure maximum convenience in customs procedures, inspections of production facilities, and physical inspection sites, while working to establish a modern and transparent customs environment. The unit will also continue to accelerate administrative reforms, expand comprehensive online public services, enhance the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in procedural consulting and risk warning, and upgrade its monitoring systems through e-seal tracking, container scanners, and live camera surveillance.

Van added that dialogue with enterprises is a top priority. “Customs–business conferences” and themed meetings with the provincial Cashew Association are being held more frequently to address concerns and provide updated legal information in a timely manner. At the same time, the sub-department aims to improve infrastructure and logistics connectivity, especially at bonded warehouses, inland container depots, and border checkpoints, while preparing management plans for the upcoming Long Thanh International Airport. Customs Sub-Department of Region XVIII will continue maintaining procedure advisory teams at border and non-border customs units to conduct consultations and promptly identify difficulties that enterprises encounter during customs procedures.

By Ngoc Lien – Translated by Thuy Trang, Minho