The price increase has been underpinned by strong export growth in 2026. Notably, many enterprises have stepped up investment in deep processing and expanded into more demanding markets, thereby generating higher added value. This endeavor also reflects the future development direction of Dong Nai’s cashew sector. Higher prices offset lower yields This harvest season, despite unfavorable weather, Nguyen Khac Dao's cashew orchard in Bom Bo commune has still recorded good yields. He said that although cashew is less profitable than many other crops, the local land is well-suited to its growth. In addition, thanks to his experience in planting and caring for cashew trees, his orchard has consistently produced good yields. With cashew prices rising, growers are also earning better profits. Moreover, with this crop, farmers can largely rely on their own labor for care and harvesting, allowing them to turn labor into profit. Meanwhile, experienced farmer Dieu Minh Ly in Tho Son commune has capitalized on rising prices by investing in young cashew orchards for additional income. This season, he has invested in around 8 hectares, of which about 3 hectares are already yielding good output. The remaining area, however, has been affected by unseasonal rains during the flowering and fruiting stages, resulting in lower productivity. He said that despite some losses, the current price of VND37,000 per kilogram offers hope for maintaining profits. Replanting 36,000 hectares with high-yield varieties According to the Department of Agriculture and Environment, Dong Nai currently has nearly 176,000 hectares of cashew. Of this, more than 36,000 hectares have been replanted or newly cultivated with high-yield varieties capable of producing over 2.5 tons per hectare. The province aims to expand this area to 50,000 hectares by 2030. High-yield varieties such as PN1, AB0508, and AB29, along with selected local strains, are being widely adopted. Efforts are also underway to expand seed development and identify high-quality parent trees. At the same time, coordination with the Cashew Research and Development Center has been strengthened to test varieties suited to local soil and climate conditions in the former Binh Phuoc area. In parallel, efforts are underway to expand safe and sustainable production. To date, about 3,500 hectares of cashew in the province have been cultivated under certified organic and other standards. Local authorities have also supported the development of production and processing linkages, with 45 cooperatives now participating in value chains tied to large-scale specialized growing areas. Le Quyen Previously, Song Ray commune had a large cashew-growing area, though this has declined as farmers shifted to other crops. Even so, some growers have chosen to replant cashew. Nguyen Tan Hong, for instance, has replanted nearly 0.5 hectares with high-yield varieties that significantly outperform older ones. He noted that while this year’s output may fall due to blossom damage and irregular weather, many trees are still producing good-quality nuts. Le Cong Dung, Head of the Farmers’ Association chapter in Hamlet 13, Song Ray commune, remarked that cashew has long been a key crop for poverty reduction and income stability. While it previously required minimal care, rising prices have encouraged farmers to invest more in improved varieties, fertilization, and pest control. As a result, both yields and profitability have improved compared to the past. Adding value to cashew exports In 2026, agricultural exports have faced challenges due to global market uncertainties. Nevertheless, cashew exports have continued to grow strongly. According to the General Department of Vietnam Customs, in the first two months of 2026, the country exported nearly 74,900 tons of cashew nuts, earning approximately USD513.5 million, up 12.8% in both volume and value compared to the same period in 2025. For the full year, the sector aims to export around 800,000 tons of cashew kernels, with an expected turnover of USD5 billion. According to some cashew exporters, raw cashew prices are expected to continue rising due to limited supply, while export demand continues to grow strongly. This reality entitles cashew farmers to sell their products at favorable prices, helping partly offset losses caused by crop failure. According to Hoang Khanh Hoa, Production Director of Gia Bao Group JSC in Dong Tam commune, cashew prices have fluctuated upward amid global uncertainties, particularly due to rising logistics costs, which also affect export activities. Although challenges remain, new opportunities are emerging. Notably, the company has secured export orders in high-value markets such as France, while buyers from Taiwan are increasingly shifting orders to Vietnam for further processing and re-export. As export trends shift toward higher-value processed products, enterprises are accelerating investment in deep processing, positioning Vietnam’s cashew sector to enhance competitiveness and capture greater value in global markets.