The Billion-Dollar Export: Exotic Fruits in High Demand

According to customs data, as of the end of 2024, coconut exports reached nearly $1.1 billion, a over 20% increase compared to 2023.

The export prospects for coconuts remained positive in the early months of this year. Data from the Vietnam Vegetable and Fruit Association for the first two months of 2025 showed that fresh coconut exports reached $33.3 million, an 18% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Exports to the US market, in particular, surged by 46% year-on-year.

However, a recent challenge has been the scarcity of supply, which has led to a significant rise in prices.

In an interview with Nguoi Lao Dong, Ms. Nguyen Thi Diem Hang, Vice President of Vinanutrifood, shared the difficulties they face in exporting fresh coconuts to the UAE and Islamic countries due to a lack of supply. “We receive orders of up to 200-300 containers per month, but we don’t have enough coconuts to export, while the farmgate price is VND 18,000 per fruit,” said Hang.

Mr. Cao Ba Dang Khoa, Secretary-General of the Vietnam Coconut Association, pointed out that not only in Vietnam but also in other Asian countries like the Philippines and Thailand, coconut prices have soared to record highs due to reduced supply and surging export demand.

Vietnam has successfully entered several large markets for coconuts, including China and the US, creating a domino effect with more markets actively seeking Vietnamese coconuts.

According to Khoa, the price increase is a positive signal for Vietnamese coconut farmers who have faced market fluctuations over the years. However, it presents a challenge for exporting businesses in terms of stable sourcing of fresh coconut raw materials.

For the sustainable development of the coconut industry, Vietnam should focus more on deep processing and building brands for coconut products such as coconut oil, canned coconut water, natural cosmetics, and handicrafts.

Additionally, stronger links between farmers and businesses are crucial, achieved through long-term offtake contracts and chain production models. This ensures a stable supply of raw materials for domestic processing and exporting enterprises.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Vietnam has 200,000 hectares of coconut trees, producing 2 million tons annually. One-third of this area meets organic standards set by the US and Europe, mainly in the Central region and the Mekong Delta.

Ben Tre coconut has been granted a geographical indication, with 133 planting zone codes and over 8,300 hectares serving exports.

Currently, there are about 600 enterprises in Vietnam engaged in coconut processing and manufacturing. The country ranks fourth in coconut exports in Asia-Pacific and fifth globally.