Coconut prices are reaching unprecedented levels in Vietnam, the Philippines, and Thailand, driven by supply shortages linked to climate change and pest infestations. Vina T&T, a major fruit exporter, is purchasing coconuts at the farm gate for up to VND220,000 (US$8.47) per dozen, marking the highest prices to date.
Industry sources reveal that coconut prices have more than doubled compared to the previous year, with traders facing challenges in securing supplies. Nguyen Dinh Tung, CEO of Vina T&T, stated, "Coconut prices are rising as fast as gold prices." The company currently exports seven containers of coconuts weekly, fulfilling only two-thirds of its international demand.
This pricing trend is mirrored in Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and Thailand, where coconut prices have increased by 50-100% year-on-year. In Thailand, coconuts retail for $2.9 per kilogram, while in the Philippines, the rate has reached $4.28.
Prolonged extreme weather conditions have disrupted supply chains, with El Nino causing droughts and La Nina leading to heavy rains and off-season storms in key coconut-growing areas. Pest outbreaks have further impacted yields, while demand from markets such as China and the U.S. continues to elevate prices.
Despite these challenges, Vietnamese coconuts are finding success due to competitive pricing and consistent quality. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment reports robust growth in Vietnam's fresh coconut exports in the initial four months of the year, with notable increases to the U.S. and China. As the world's fifth-largest coconut exporter, Vietnam boasts 200,000 hectares of orchards, producing approximately two million tons annually.
In the previous year, exports of coconuts and related products reached nearly $1.1 billion, with fresh coconuts accounting for $390 million. Vietnamese coconuts are now distributed across over 40 countries, with the U.S. and China as primary markets. Following the U.S. market opening in August 2023, exports surged 11-fold within a year. In the first two months of 2025, exports to this market grew by 46% year-on-year. China has also emerged as a significant market, consuming around four billion coconuts annually.
Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, noted the popularity of Vietnamese coconuts in the U.S. and China during summer, predicting fresh coconut exports to reach $500 million this year.
Source: VNExpress