Coconut exports 10 times higher than farmgate prices

Coconut exports expected to reach USD 1.2 billion

According to the Vietnam Coconut Association, in the first six months of 2025, Vietnam’s coconut industry achieved an export value of USD 489 million, of which whole coconuts (both dry and fresh) accounted for USD 216 million, up 40% compared to the same period last year.

In 2024, the total export value of coconuts reached USD 1.089 billion, and the industry set a target of 20% growth in 2025, aiming to surpass USD 1.2 billion. These figures reflect strong momentum, but the true potential of Vietnamese coconuts in the international market is much greater.

In Vinh Long alone, coconut export revenue in 2025 is forecast to reach around USD 500 million, up 2.9% compared to 2024. Key coconut export products grew by more than 10% compared to the same period last year, with desiccated coconut up 14% and coconut milk up 3.5%. The province is expected to export over 35 million fresh coconuts.

Mr. Lam Van Tan, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Vinh Long, said that the quality of coconuts in Vinh Long has improved significantly and is highly valued by traders and enterprises. Currently, out of nearly 120,000 ha of coconuts in Vinh Long (accounting for nearly 60% of the country’s coconut area), 30,355 ha are industrial coconuts produced under organic standards (USDA, EU, China, JAS, Korea...). Vinh Long now has 156 planting area codes for fresh coconuts and 17 packaging facility codes eligible for export to the Chinese market.

In Q4/2024, the average farmgate price of fresh coconuts was VND 15,000 per fruit, three times higher than in 2023, surprising many farmers and traders. However, the prices of coconuts in premium consumption markets are even more striking.

A survey by the Vietnam Coconut Association showed that fresh coconuts are sold at around USD 5.5 per fruit in the US (equivalent to VND 140,000), 5–6 EUR in Northern European supermarkets (VND 180,000–190,000), and VND 60,000–70,000 in Beijing.

The gap between farmgate prices and international retail prices indicates wide potential for Vietnam to increase value, optimize the supply chain, and gain higher profits.

Not only fresh coconuts but more than 40 processed coconut products, from coconut oil, coconut milk, and canned coconut water to cosmetics and functional foods, are also opening up a promising market.

However, most of these product lines in the international market are still branded under Thailand, Indonesia, or Brazil. This raises an urgent requirement for Vietnam’s coconut industry: to strengthen competitiveness and upgrade comprehensively.

To avoid missing opportunities

But to turn that price gap into real profit, the coconut industry must change from the roots up. The Vietnam Coconut Association believes that to convert potential into actual value, Vietnam’s coconut industry must face and address fundamental issues.

First, technology and supply chain management. The application of technology in cultivation, harvesting, preservation, processing, and logistics remains fragmented and inconsistent. Automation and digital technology management with artificial intelligence (AI) are key to reducing costs, stabilizing quality, and meeting international standards.

Second, standards and transparency. Demanding markets require products to meet international certifications on food safety, environment, and social responsibility. Farmers need to shift their production mindset: minimize chemicals, increase sustainable intercropping, protect the coconut garden ecosystem, and move toward organic farming. This is not only a technical requirement but also a factor in building trust and enhancing branding.

Third, the legal framework and industry culture. A legal corridor on coconut tree protection, labor safety, banning pest breeding and trading, and prohibiting toxic chemicals must be completed soon. At the same time, an industry culture of healthy competition among enterprises should be built, avoiding price-cutting races that weaken the market, and instead fostering supply chain linkages to increase overall value.

Vietnam’s coconut industry is standing before a “golden” opportunity to break through, not only in raw material exports but also in deep processing industries and building a national coconut brand. Investment in technology, traceability, international certification, and alignment with sustainable values such as emission reduction and climate change adaptation will help Vietnamese coconuts affirm their position.

“The large gap between farmgate and international coconut prices will only be narrowed when Vietnam masters the entire value chain. At that time, farmers will feel secure to invest, enterprises will be strong in competition, and Vietnamese coconuts can conquer the most demanding markets,” said Mr. Cao Ba Dang Khoa, Vice Chairman and Secretary General of the Vietnam Coconut Association.

Not standing aside, in July 2025, the Vietnam Coconut Association issued a plan to coordinate with the Vietnam Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Agribank) to implement the program “Building a coconut raw material supply chain” to stabilize raw material areas, increase product value, and promote sustainable development of the coconut industry.

The pilot phase will take place in Dong Thap, Vinh Long, and Can Tho from September to December 2025, with about 2,700 households and 90 enterprises and cooperatives participating. After the review in January 2026, the model will be expanded to 16 provinces and cities with coconut cultivation areas, contributing to stabilizing farmers’ livelihoods, reducing the risks of loan sharks, and elevating the Vietnamese coconut brand in the international market.

* $1 = VND 26.502 - Source: Vietcombank.