With over 200,000 hectares of coconut plantations and an annual harvest of approximately 2.28 million tonnes, Vietnam’s coconut industry has experienced strong growth. In 2024 alone, the country’s coconut exports reached nearly US$1.1 billion, with fresh coconut alone accounting for more than US$390 million.

Vietnamese coconuts have secured a presence not only in China, but also in high-standard markets such as the United States, the European Union, Canada, and the Republic of Korea. As global consumption trends shift toward natural and environmentally friendly products, Vietnamese coconut products are well-positioned for further expansion.

Despite the growth, the sector still faces significant challenges. Most exports are still raw materials, limiting their added value and long-term competitiveness.

To resolve the issue, the MoAE has set a strategic target for 2030, aiming to expand the national coconut cultivation area to 210,000 hectares, including 170,000–175,000 hectares in the Mekong Delta. Notably, over 30% of the area will follow Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) or equivalent standards, and roughly 30% will have official plantation codes.

Key solutions include the development of OCOP (One Commune One Product) initiatives, intercropping with cacao, fruit trees, aquaculture, and even poultry to improve land-use efficiency. The integration of eco-tourism with coconut gardens, craft villages, and processing hubs is also seen as a way to enhance the Vietnamese coconut brand.

Currently, 225 countries import coconuts, but only 179 countries produce them. Around 5–6 countries account for more than 90% of global coconut exports, led by the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

In a recent development, China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) has officially approved six growing area and packaging codes in Vietnam’s southern An Giang province, effective August 22, 2025. This opens a new gateway for Vietnam’s fresh coconut exports to China.

Nguyen Van Hien, head of the An Giang Department of Cultivation and Plant Protection, emphasised that the new export codes mark a significant milestone for the province’s coconut sector. Authorities have instructed local units to publicly share code information, create transparent usage plans, and ensure electronic logging of growing areas in the national database.

To meet China's strict import standards, coconut farmers must closely monitor pesticide residues, control pests, and maintain technical standards throughout the growing cycle, Hien added.

Nguyen Thi Kim Thanh, president of the Vietnam Coconut Association, emphasised that creating a digital map of coconut plantations is essential to demonstrate the value of coconuts and support traceability. Promoting coconut intercropping and ecosystem development will also optimise land use and improve soil quality, she said.

Can Vietnam stay in the world’s top 5 for coconut exports?

VOV.VN - With strong export growth and a top-five global ranking, Vietnam’s coconut industry is gaining international recognition, but sustainable success will depend on traceability, deep processing, and brand building.