Vietnam's Coconut Exports Poised to Exceed One Billion USD
Boosting Opportunities for Coconut Export Growth
The Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) have agreed to finalize procedures for signing a protocol on plant quarantine requirements for Vietnamese fresh coconuts and frozen durians exported to China. This protocol is expected to significantly enhance the export potential of Vietnamese coconuts, opening up a vast market of 1.4 billion people. Tran Van Duc, chairman of Ben Tre Coconut Investment Joint Stock Company, highlighted the huge demand in China, which consumes about 2.6 billion fresh coconuts and 1.5 billion coconuts for processing each year, while local production meets only 10% of this demand.Vietnamese Businesses Ready to Capitalize
Local businesses have long desired access to the lucrative Chinese market. Despite exporting to high-end markets like Europe, the US, and the Middle East. Vietnamese coconut products were previously unable to enter China due to the lack of a protocol. With the new protocol in place, companies like Ben Tre Coconut Investment Joint Stock Company are preparing to meet China's requirements. Duc emphasized that Vietnam, ranking 7th in global coconut production, stands to benefit greatly from this proximity to China. Chinese partners have already started contacting Vietnamese businesses to explore partnerships and visit factories.Economic Impact and Future Prospects
Vietnam currently has over 180,000 hectares of coconuts, mainly in the central coastal provinces and the Mekong Delta. Notably, Ben Tre province, a significant producer, exports coconut products to nearly 100 countries. It is contributing to over 42.5% of its export revenue. Last year, coconut exports reached US$1 billion, and with the new access to the Chinese market, this figure is expected to rise significantly. Dang Huynh Uc My, chairwoman of Betrimex, stated that abundant supply. And the official export to China would further professionalize and standardize domestic coconut production, raising incomes for local farmers.Huynh Tan Dat, head of the Plant Protection Department under MARD, noted that extensive discussions over the past two years with Chinese authorities on pest management, fruit quality, and safety measures have culminated in this protocol. This development signifies a major innovation from China and reflects international trust in Vietnamese agricultural products. Successfully opening this market underscores Vietnam's growing reputation in the global agricultural sector.
The signing of the export protocol with China marks a significant milestone for Vietnam's coconut industry. This agreement is set to open new markets, boost exports beyond US$1 billion. And enhance the livelihoods of Vietnamese farmers by ensuring a more professional and standardized production process.
