Statistics indicate that fresh coconut exports in 2024 surged by 61% on-year to US$390 million, raising total export turnover of fresh coconut and coconut products to nearly US$1.1 billion, up over 20% compared to 2023.

This is also the first time in 14 years that the local coconut industry raked in over US$1billions in turnover from  exports.

At present, the country boasts 200,000 hectares of growing coconut areas, with an output of two million tonnes per year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. One-third of the cultivation areas, mainly in the central and Mekong Delta region, have met organic standards in line with US and European standards.

Most notably, Ben Tre coconuts have been granted geographical indications, with 133 growing area codes and more than 8,300 hectares for export.

Vietnam currently ranks fourth in the Asia – Pacific region and fifth in the world in coconut exports. Along with more than 600 processing enterprises, the country's coconut industry enjoys several competitive advantages in the international market.

China remains the country’s major export market, accounting for 25% of total coconut export value. The signing of a protocol for official export of fresh coconuts to this market in August, 2024, is expected to open up a wealth of opportunities for the fruit in the coming time.

At present, Vietnam is the third largest coconut supplier to China, making up more than 20% of the market share in the northern neighbour.

In addition to China, Vietnamese coconuts have become popular in many demanding markets such as the EU, the United States, Canada, and the Republic of Korea thanks to the advantages in terms of price and sweet taste.

Cao Ba Dang Khoa, general secretary of the Vietnam Coconut Association, pointed out that the coconut sector still faced hurdles as several fresh coconut orders cannot be exported on time due to lack of growing area codes and packaging codes, as well as unstable raw material areas since the third and fourth quarters of 2024 until now.

Industry insiders requested that local authorities discuss the matter with the Chinese side in order to grant additional growing area codes to Vietnam moving forward.

Fresh Vietnamese coconut exports to US skyrocket

VOV.VN - Vietnam’s fresh coconut exports to the US increased dramatically by 1,156% in volume and 933.6% in value during the past eight months of the year, according to details released by the International Trade Centre (ITC).