U.S. Surpasses China, Spending Over $2.1 Trillion on a Vietnamese “Commodity” as 40+ Countries Place Orders

It is a coconut.

According to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (Vinafruit), in the first seven months of this year, Vietnam’s coconut exports earned over $306 million, a 40% increase compared to the same period last year. Notably, the United States surpassed China for the first time, spending approximately $82 million (over 2.1 trillion VND), double the amount from the same period last year, to import Vietnamese coconuts. As a result, the U.S. has become the largest market, accounting for nearly 27% of Vietnam’s total coconut export revenue.

The U.S. has increased its coconut imports due to strong demand from retail chains and the beverage industry. Vietnamese coconuts are a popular fruit in the U.S. market.

Meanwhile, in the first seven months of 2025, China’s coconut imports from Vietnam reached nearly $67 million.

Additionally, several other markets have significantly increased their imports of Vietnamese coconuts, such as the UAE (doubling), Spain (more than doubling), Puerto Rico (nearly eightfold), and Australia (over 77%). Notably, Cambodia’s imports of Vietnamese coconuts surged by 690 times.

Vietnam Spends $31 Million on Coconut Imports

Despite being a nation once ranked among the top five global coconut exporters, Vietnam still spent over $31 million on coconut imports in the first seven months of 2025. According to Vinafruit, this import value increased by 1,873% compared to the same period last year. Vietnam primarily imports coconuts from Indonesia. Additionally, the country is seeking partners in Papua New Guinea, although transactions remain limited due to the absence of formal agreements.

Experts attribute Vietnam’s increased coconut imports to the need for processing and export, as domestic factories face shortages in raw materials.

Leaders of the Vietnam Coconut Association anticipate that with the growth in raw coconut prices and investment in the coconut industry, by the end of 2025, Vietnam’s coconut exports could reach $1.1 to $1.15 billion.

The Vietnam Coconut Association advises farmers to select coconut varieties suitable for export needs to avoid localized surpluses or shortages when the market fluctuates. For businesses in the coconut industry, optimizing costs through automation in coconut product processing and AI-driven management is essential. Companies should also ensure transparency throughout the production process, comply with food safety, labor protection regulations, build corporate culture, and promote sustainable farming practices.

Vietnam’s Coconut Export Potential Reaches Billions

In 2024, Vietnam’s coconut and coconut product exports reached nearly $1.1 billion, with fresh coconuts contributing $390 million. Vietnamese coconuts are now present in over 40 countries and territories, with the U.S. and China driving export growth in recent years.

Vietnam currently has approximately 200,000 hectares of coconut plantations, primarily in several provinces, with an annual output of 1.9 million tons. Ben Tre leads the nation with over 78,000 hectares, accounting for 42% of the total coconut area. Coconuts not only provide high economic value but also sustain the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of farming households.

Beyond fresh and dried coconuts, Vietnam exports over 100 coconut-derived products, such as coconut oil, canned coconut water, and dried coconut meat, to more than 100 countries and territories. Improved preservation technology extends the shelf life to 70 days while maintaining quality, a significant advantage for Vietnamese coconuts in the international market.