Vietnam’s coconut exports reached a historic milestone, exceeding $1 billion for the first time last year. This achievement was driven by a new export protocol with China and continuous efforts by exporters to diversify and expand their markets. According to data from Vietnam Customs, total exports of all coconut products increased by 20%, reaching nearly $1.1 billion. Fresh coconut exports saw the highest growth, surging 61% to $390 million.
Vietnam’s coconut industry is supported by 200,000 hectares of farmland, producing approximately two million tons of coconuts annually. Notably, one-third of the production meets organic standards set by the U.S. and Europe, enhancing the value and competitiveness of Vietnamese coconut products in international markets. The country has over 600 companies involved in coconut production and processing, making it a major player in the global coconut trade. Vietnam currently ranks fifth in the world for coconut exports.
China emerged as a major buyer, accounting for 25% of Vietnam’s total coconut exports. The increase in exports to China was facilitated by a trade protocol on fresh coconuts signed between the two countries in August last year. As a result, Vietnam has become the third-largest coconut supplier to China, capturing a 20% share of the Chinese market. In addition to China, other key export destinations include the European Union, the United States, Canada, and South Korea, showing the demand for Vietnamese coconut products.
Despite the impressive export growth, industry experts have raised concerns about potential supply challenges in the coming years. Farmers have been reluctant to expand coconut plantations, which could constrain production capacity. Additionally, Vietnamese exporters face increasing competition from major coconut producers such as Thailand, India, and several countries in the Middle East. The expansion of coconut processing factories in China further intensifies the competition.
Cao Ba Dang Khoa, General Secretary of the Vietnam Coconut Association, highlighted the importance of government support to sustain the industry’s growth. He urged the government to negotiate with Chinese authorities to add more Vietnamese farming areas to the list of approved regions for export. This move, he said, would help secure long-term market access and ensure the stability of Vietnam’s coconut export industry.
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