Coconut industry generates over 500 million USD for Ben Tre Province

Coconut industry generates over 500 million USD for Ben Tre Province

According to the Ben Tre Provincial People’s Committee, the province achieved an unprecedented export revenue of 1.75 billion USD in 2024. This figure reflects a growth rate of over 20% compared to 2023, placing Ben Tre third in the Mekong Delta in terms of export activities. Among key sectors within the province, the coconut industry contributed over 516 million USD, with coconut milk exports growing by more than 10.3%.

The price of dried coconuts fluctuated at approximately 50,000 VND per dozen (12 coconuts) two to three years prior to this change. However, as export demand surged, export prices increased exponentially. Consequently, this growth has brought considerable economic optimism to more than 200,000 coconut-farming households in Ben Tre Province.

My Thanh Commune, located in Giong Trom District, is currently home to more than 390 hectares dedicated to coconut tree cultivation. According to Ngo Tan Quyen, the Chairman of the My Thanh Commune People's Committee, “Local farmers are growing increasingly optimistic this year as prices maintained a steady rising trend. At the moment, the highest selling price for dried coconuts reached nearly 130,000 VND per dozen. As a result, farmers have increased their income level substantially.”

In addition to fruit exports, the seafood sector, featuring prominent products such as pangasius, clams, and shrimp, contributes significantly to Ben Tre’s export growth. Notably, the province's total aquaculture area reached 47,800 hectares in 2024, with an estimated annual seafood output of 313,360 tons.

To date, Ben Tre Province has expanded its export market to 130 countries and territories, with over 150 participating businesses. The province’s primary export destinations include Asia, the Americas, and Europe. Seafood remains Ben Tre’s fastest-growing export sector, with a total export volume of 38,600 tons in 2024—achieving 107% of the annual target and generating over 100 million USD. This figure represents an increase of 22% compared to 2023.

This success can be attributed to the Provincial Party Committee’s initiative to develop 4,000 hectares of high-tech shrimp farming, launched at the beginning of its 11th congress term. By the end of 2024, the province had developed approximately 3,633 hectares of high-tech shrimp farms, with a yield of 60 to 70 tons per hectare and an annual output of nearly 91,000 tons. Consequently, these high-tech farms account for over 50% of Ben Tre’s total brackish water shrimp production.

Le Van Sam, a farmer from Thanh Hai Commune in Thanh Phu District, shared that after more than five years of transitioning to high-tech shrimp farming, his family's economic condition has significantly improved. His total shrimp farming area currently spans 45 hectares, producing 500 to 700 tons of raw shrimp annually, with an estimated profit of 40 billion VND per year.

A target of 1.85 billion USD in export revenue

After participating in Vietnam’s fruit export industry for a considerable amount of time, Nguyen Thi Hong Thu, Director of Chanh Thu Import-Export Fruit Company in Cho Lach District, Ben Tre Province, noted that although domestic businesses have enjoyed these advantages, they have also faced several challenges. “I hope that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Department of Plant Protection, and the Business Association will strengthen their collaboration to reinforce the supply chain and maintain the stability of export sectors,” Thu suggested.

According to Nguyen Truc Son, Vice Chairman of the Ben Tre Provincial People’s Committee, the province primarily exports agricultural products. Consequently, the province will focus on providing strong support for businesses with the capacity to export these products.

“In 2025, Ben Tre aims to reach an export revenue of 1.85 billion USD. Despite the current challenges in global trade, including protectionist measures and technical barriers, we believe that Ben Tre’s products will be able to maintain their competitive advantages. That is why we are determined to achieve this target,” Son stressed.

The Ben Tre Provincial Hydrometeorological Agency has issued a warning that the risk level of saltwater intrusion-related natural disasters is approaching level 2. In response, authorities, relevant agencies, and residents in affected areas are implementing measures to mitigate the impact. These efforts include closely monitoring salinity levels to proactively operate sluice gates and dams for freshwater storage, irrigating crops as required, and enhancing freshwater conservation through various methods, tools, and equipment.