The Complete Guide to Importing Cashew Nuts in Portugal 2024

Did you know that the cashew tree can survive for 50-60 years? The cashew tree thrives in sunny and warm temperatures from 50 degrees Fahrenheit to 105 degrees Fahrenheit which is equivalent to 40.5°C.

It can do well in areas with long dry seasons and can tolerate high levels of humid and long periods of drought. This ability to adapt to harsh climatic and environmental conditions enables the tree to manage seasons of stress and therefore able to survive for a long time.

The cashew tree also has a robust, deep root system that spreads and holds the tree firmly in the ground, providing access to water and nutrients from the soil better than most trees. The roots also give stability against strong winds and play a big role in its long life span.

Because the cashew tree takes 3-5 years to be ready to bear fruits, it has a slow and steady growth pattern that enables it to conserve most of its energy, preventing early exhaustion and aging.

Cashew Nuts Portugal

Cashew nuts existed even before pre-historic times and it was spread by birds through pollination. The word cashew comes from the Portuguese pronunciation of ‘cajun’ that was adapted from the Indian word ‘acajou’

In the 50s the Spanish sailors brought cashew seeds into Portugal during their trade visits. Small quantities of cashews started spreading through the pPortugalbarter trade market.

Realizing the value of the nut, the Portuguese started paying more attention to cashews and finding more suppliers of the cashews as the demand started to increase in the market.

Today, cashew nuts in Portugal are an important trade item valued for its health benefits and culinary applications. The consumption of cashews both locally and globally continues to rise, promising a better future for the cashew industry.

Cashews Portugal

Portugal imports cashews from producing and exporting countries to supplement their local produce and meet the market demand. These imports have helped position Portugal better in the cashew market.

In 2022, Portugal shipped over 2,000 tonnes of cashew nuts. This was an increase from the previous year, marking another high-record value. This data includes both raw cashew nuts (in-shell) and shelled cashews.

Over the last decade, cashew imports in Portugal have enjoyed steady growth. The highest jump in volume was recorded from 2017 to 2018 at over 57%. The peak volume was in the year 2022 at 2,197 tonnes.

Here is the import volume of cashew nuts in Portugal between 2013 and 2022.

Importing Cashew Nuts into Portugal

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to import cashews into Portugal.

Cashew Supplying Countries to the Portugal

Germany is the dominating country in Portugal’s cashew import, accounting for most of the total imports. Portugal has good trade connections with exporting countries and consistently gets a stable supply of cashews from major cashew producers.

Other key cashew-supplying countries in Portugal are:

  • Brazil
  • Spain
  • Cote d’Ivoire
  • Netherlands
  • Mozambique

It imports cashews in smaller volumes from countries like:

  • Sri Lanka
  • Ghana
  • Turkey

The main mode of transporting cashew nuts into Portugal is sea transport which is preferred because of its capability to ship large volumes of cashews at a lower price, ensuring a stable supply of cashes throughout the year.

How to Know Reliable Cashew Suppliers in Portugal

Cashew importers in Portugal must follow these procedures for their shipment to be released by the customs office:

  1. The importer must first find a means of shipping or use a shipping company
  2. The importer must have all the required documentation:
  • A customs declaration form
  • Commercial invoice
  • Bill of lading
  • Packing list
  • Health/Phytosanitary certificates

The importer must then pay all the required duties, taxes, and any fees involved for the shipment to be released into their custody

Here is a top cashew exporter in Kenya

Freshela Exporters

Freshela is a Kenyan-based company that engages in the sourcing, processing, and exporting of cashew nuts and other fresh produce.

Freshela is a proud exporter of raw cashew nuts and shelled cashews. We give competitive pricing to our customers and guarantee reliable delivery time.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


Top Quality Hass & Fuerte Avocado



  • Best price guarantee

  • Year round supply of avocado

  • Certified Production process

  • Kenya & Tanzania Avocado

  • 2-5 days turnaround time



Order Request Form


Please enter the following details


Order details sent successfully

We'll get in touch with you in a few moments

Thank You