• Analysis and Studies
• Coconuts: import and export

Coconuts are highly versatile, offering a range of products from a single source. Coconut water, found inside young coconuts, is a hydrating drink packed with electrolytes, ideal for replenishment, while the white flesh, or coconut meat, from mature coconuts is rich in healthy fats, fiber, and essential minerals. This meat is used to create coconut milk, oil, and flour, all commonly used in cooking and baking across many cultures.

Coconut oil stands out for its wide-ranging benefits, not only in cooking but also in skincare and haircare. Known for its moisturizing and antimicrobial properties, it's a popular natural ingredient in beauty routines. Coconuts are also eco-friendly, with the coconut palm being a sustainable crop that requires fewer resources and provides useful materials like coir for ropes and household goods.

In many cultures, coconuts hold deep cultural and symbolic importance, often representing abundance and life. Known as the "tree of life" in tropical regions, the coconut offers practical solutions for food, health, and everyday living, making it an essential and sustainable resource.

In 2022, coconuts were the world's 1584th most traded product, with a total trade of $1.82B, and between 2021 and 2022 the exports decreased by -6.4%, from $1.95B to $1.82B.

In 2022 the most significant exporter was Philippines, with a trade of $416M, ahead of Thailand ($411M), Indonesia ($340M), Vietnam ($134M), and Sri Lanka ($115M). Whereas the country which imported coconuts the most was China, with a trade of $510M, followed by United States ($210M), Netherlands ($106M), Malaysia ($70.5M), and Germany ($63.1M).

The graphic shows a combination of regional reliance and aspirations for broader global reach. The Philippines and Indonesia have a wider range of destinations, letting them have greater stability in the face of potential economic or political shifts.

In contrast, Thailand and Vietnam are significantly dependent on China, offering the benefits of access to a massive market but also exposing them to risks should conditions in China change. Sri Lanka, with its diverse network of trade partners, is well-positioned to tap into emerging demand in the Middle East while maintaining strong ties with established Western markets. These dynamics emphasize the careful balance between regional connections and global diversification that is key to supporting the long-term growth of the coconut trade.

1. Philippines (22.8%): 30.6% United States, 19.7% Netherlands, 4.91% Canada, 4.65% Germany, 4.58% Turkey, 4.15% Australia, 3.61% Russia, 3.46% Poland, 3.35% United Kingdom, 3.01% China, 1.81% Brazil, 1.07% Malaysia
2. Thailand (22.5%): 84.5% China, 4.98% United States, 2.98% Singapore, 2.03% Hong Kong, 1.09% Australia
3. Indonesia (18.6%): 24.3% China, 17.4% Malaysia, 8.8% Thailand, 6.43% Singapore, 5.52% Germany, 3.17% Russia, 2.44% Netherlands, 2.26% Brazil, 2.1% United Kingdom, 1.69% United States, 1.69% Egypt, 1.47% Poland
4. Vietnam (7.35%): 41.8% China, 15.8% Thailand, 9.15% Egypt, 2.79% South Africa, 2.05% Jordan, 2.04% United States, 1.95% Spain, 1.74% South Korea, 1.17% Canada, 0.63% Singapore
5. Sri Lanka (6.3%): 12.4% United Arab Emirates, 9.95% United States, 7.25% India, 6.95% Egypt, 6.81% Iraq, 6.67% Canada, 5.2% Pakistan, 4.75% Spain, 4.34% Germany, 2.68% Turkey, 2.65% Australia, 2.18% United Kingdom, 2.06% Netherlands

The imports trade reveals a mix of regional dependence and global diversification. China, the largest importer, focuses heavily on Southeast Asian suppliers like Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, showcasing its strong regional connections.

The United States, while relying significantly on the Philippines, has a more varied supply chain that includes sources from Asia, Latin America, and Sri Lanka, and European countries, such as the Netherlands and Germany, depend largely on the Philippines and Indonesia but also diversify their imports from regions like Africa. This combination of regional focus and global sourcing helps countries secure consistent coconut supplies while reducing exposure to trade risks.

1. China (28%): 68.2% Thailand, 16.2% Indonesia, 11% Vietnam, 2.46% Philippines, 1.65% Singapore
2. United States (11.5%): 60.7% Philippines, 9.76% Thailand, 7.88% Mexico, 5.45% Sri Lanka, 3.48% Dominican Republic, 2.74% Indonesia, 2.5% Spain, 1.31% Vietnam
3. Netherlands (5.81%): 77.1% Philippines, 7.81% Indonesia, 2.99% Côte d’Ivoire, 2.64% Thailand, 2.23% Sri Lanka, 1.6% Spain, 0.85% Vietnam
4. Malaysia (3.86%): 83.6% Indonesia, 8.8% Singapore, 6.31% Philippines, 0.66% Thailand
5. Germany (3.46%): 30.6% Philippines, 29.7% Indonesia, 17.2% Netherlands, 3.89% Sri Lanka, 2.52% Spain, 2.4% Côte d’Ivoire, 2.27% Austria, 1.76% Dominican Republic

Between 2021 and 2022, the fastest growing exporter was Thailand, with an increase of $96.4M, followed by Philippines ($8.61M), Netherlands ($6.29M), Singapore ($3.41M), and Burma ($814k).

1. Thailand: from $315M to $411M
2. Philippines: from $407M to $416M
3. Netherlands: from $62M to $68.2M
4. Singapore: from $25.1M to $28.5M
5. Burma: from $101k to $915k

Whereas the country which had the fastest growth in imports was China, with an increase of $80.5M, ahead of Belgium ($9.81M), Netherlands ($9.54M), Brazil ($4.65M), and Morocco ($3.22M).

1. China: from $429M to $510M
2. Belgium: from $20.2M to $30M
3. Netherlands: from $96.5M to $106M
4. Brazil: from $13.8M to $18.4M
5. Morocco: from $5.64M to $8.86M

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