• New agreement with The Andersons aims to secure sales of 100,000+ tons from 2026

• U.S. firm ships 750,000 tons of farm commodities a year and is a major grain exporter

• Deal expected to strengthen Côte d’Ivoire’s cashew sector and diversify export markets

In Côte d’Ivoire, the Cotton, Cashew and Shea Council has signed a partnership agreement with the U.S. company The Andersons, a Kansas City–based agricultural commodities trader.

According to a statement released by the regulator on Monday, December 8, the agreement is designed to secure the sale of more than 100,000 tons of raw cashew nuts on the international market beginning with the 2026 marketing season.

Official data show that The Andersons ships more than 750,000 tons of agricultural goods each year to global markets and is one of the United States’ leading exporters of grains and oilseeds, backed by strong logistics and commercial capacity.

By entering into what it describes as a structuring partnership, the Council says it aims to protect producer interests, strengthen the sector’s competitiveness, and support long-term growth. If projections hold, the agreement could represent a turning point for Ivorian cashew and reinforce the country’s position in global trade.

More broadly, the move reflects the regulator’s commitment to sustaining the growth momentum observed in the cashew sector in recent years. It also offers an opportunity to diversify export destinations.

According to customs data, Côte d’Ivoire exported an average of 805,180 tons of raw cashew nuts per year between 2020 and 2024, generating roughly CFA524.6 billion ($930.5 million) annually. Vietnam and India remain the main buyers, accounting for nearly 90% of export volumes.

Stéphanas Assocle