MOZAMBIQUE—Mozambique, the second-largest producer and exporter of cashew nuts in East Africa after Tanzania, has received the green light to export nuts duty-free to China, a move aimed at boosting its agricultural sector.
On September 3, Maria Gustava, the Ambassador of Mozambique to China, and her Chinese counterpart, Wang Hejun, signed a pivotal agreement in Beijing that allows the export of three Mozambican agricultural products, particularly cashew nuts, macadamia nuts, and pigeon peas, to China without customs duties.
The agreement, valid for three years and renewable, is expected to strengthen commercial cooperation between the two countries.
Mozambican officials highlighted that this initiative is part of broader efforts to expand the country’s economic growth by gaining greater access to the Chinese market, one of the world’s largest consumers of agricultural products.
Mozambique has already benefited from China’s decision to apply zero tariff treatment on 98% of merchandise imports from African countries since 2022.
The country, known for its rich agricultural resources, lists cashew nuts among its key export products, alongside cotton, tobacco, and sesame.
According to data from the Trade Map platform, Mozambique’s exports of cashew nuts and kernels generated over US$97 million in revenue in 2023.
China, which imported nearly US$256 million worth of cashew nuts and kernels in 2023 primarily from Vietnam, Ivory Coast, and Tanzania, represents a strategic market for Mozambique.
Access to this vast market is expected to help Mozambique diversify its export destinations, reduce dependency on traditional buyers, and ultimately enhance the performance of its agricultural sector.
The Mozambican government remains proactive in seeking commercial opportunities on the international market.
This agreement comes at a time when global demand for cashew nuts continues to rise due to their growing popularity as a healthy snack option. The International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC) forecasts a steady increase in global cashew consumption, which bodes well for Mozambique’s export ambitions.
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