According to the latest data from the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, the country imported fruits and nuts worth USD 516.6 million in the first four months of 2025, up 38.5 per cent from the same period last year.
Coconuts were one of two items with a four-digit import growth rate. Specifically, Vietnamese companies imported USD 7.2 million worth of coconuts, a surge of 1,030 per cent year over year.
Cao Ba Dang Khoa, Standing Vice President and Secretary General of the Vietnam Coconut Association said that in early 2025, most of the imported coconuts were dried raw from Indonesia.
The reason is a steep decline in domestic coconut output caused by drought and saltwater intrusion. The price of dried coconuts soared to a record VND 19,000 per fruit, and while it has cooled slightly, it remains high.
Meanwhile, domestic demand for coconut processing has risen sharply with the launch of several new factories. In addition, exports of raw coconuts to Thailand have increased.
Vietnam exported raw coconuts worth USD 51.2 million in the first quarter of 2025, up 12.9 per cent from Q1 2024.
To address the raw material shortage, the Vietnam Coconut Association has commissioned scientists to develop solutions to help coconut trees adapt to climate change. This includes products that support flowering and new cultivation techniques.
The association has also proposed imposing export duties on raw coconuts to prioritise local processing needs. The Philippines and Malaysia have banned raw coconut exports for this reason.