Vietnam’s Coconut Imports Surge Nearly 1,900% Amid Domestic Shortage

HANOI, Vietnam (Sept. 14, 2025) — Vietnam’s coconut imports have skyrocketed this year as domestic production falters, according to a report by Viet Nam News.

From January through July, the country imported roughly $31.2 million worth of coconuts — a 1,873% increase compared to the same period last year, the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association said.

Association Chairman Dang Phuc Nguyen attributed the surge to rising global demand, particularly from China, the United States and the Middle East. With local supply constrained and prices climbing, companies are increasingly turning to imports to sustain processing and export operations.

Vietnam is currently sourcing coconuts mainly from Indonesia and is exploring additional suppliers, including Papua New Guinea.

The Vietnam Coconut Association said domestic coconut prices hit a record high in the first half of 2025, reaching about 19,000 Vietnamese dong ($0.71) per fruit. The spike is linked to drought conditions in the Mekong Delta and disease outbreaks in central provinces, which have sharply reduced yields.