Coconut exports set to hit $1 billion

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has identified coconut as one of the six key crops within the "Project for Development of Key Industrial Crops until 2030", reported the Government News.

By 2030, the coconut cultivation area is expected to reach 195,000 - 210,000 ha, with the Mekong Delta region, a key coconut growing area, accounting for about 170,000 - 175,000 ha.

Issued by MARD under Decision 431/QĐ-BNN-TT in 2024, the project aims for over 30% of the coconut cultivation area to be produced according to GAP standards or equivalent by 2030. Additionally, it targets about 30% of the coconut area to be granted planting area codes.

Addressing the "Connecting Production and Consumption of Coconut Products" forum on December 13, Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Thanh, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Coconut Association, stated that from a modest export turnover of $180 million in 2010, the coconut industry has developed strongly, reaching over $900 million in 2023 and is expected to exceed the $1 billion mark in 2024.

Among key markets, China has the largest demand. Recently, MARD and the General Administration of Customs of China signed a protocol allowing the export of fresh coconuts in official channels, opening up significant opportunities for Vietnamese fresh coconuts.

Regarding the current state of coconut production in the country, Ms. Thanh noted that in areas with good infrastructure, such as Ben Tre, coconut prices are in the range of VND70,000-100,000 ($2.75 – 3.9) per ten fruits. However, in areas with poor infrastructure, coconut prices are much lower.

Therefore, she suggested that localities growing coconuts focus on upgrading infrastructure to promote the coconut industry in remote areas and facilitate logistics.