According to General Department of Customs, by the end of 2024, fresh coconut export reached 390 million USD, up 61% over the same period last year. In total, fresh coconut and coconut product exports reached nearly 1.1 billion USD, up over 20% compared to 2023. This is the first time in 14 years that coconuts have brought in billions of USD in turnover for Vietnam.
According to Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the country currently has 200,000 hectares of coconut, with an output of 2 million tonnes/year. One-third of the area meets organic standards according to US and European standards, mainly in the Central region and the Mekong Delta. Ben Tre coconuts have been granted geographical indications, with 133 growing area codes and more than 8,300 hectares for export.
With more than 600 production and processing enterprises, Vietnamese coconut industry has a competitive advantage in international market. Vietnam ranks 4th in coconut exports in Asia - Pacific and 5th in the world.
China is the main export market, accounting for 25% of Vietnam's coconut export value. Signing of Official Import Protocol between the two countries in August 2024 opens up great opportunities for this fruit. Vietnam is currently the third largest coconut supplier to China, with more than 20% market share in this country. In addition to China, thanks to its price advantage and sweet taste, Vietnamese coconuts are popular in many markets such as the EU, US, Canada and South Korea.
Although earning billions of USD from exports, this figure still does not fully reflect potential and advantages of Vietnamese coconut industry. Mr. Cao Ba Dang Khoa - General Secretary of Vietnam Coconut Association - said that many fresh coconut orders cannot be exported on time due to lack of growing area codes, packaging codes and unstable raw material areas from the third and fourth quarters of 2024 until now. Therefore, Vietnam Coconut Association requested authorities to discuss with Chinese side so that they can grant additional growing area codes to Vietnam.

Source: Vitic/ congthuong.vn