Vietnam's Coconuts Set to Enter Chinese Market, Threatening Thailand’s Coconut Industry
Vietnam’s Coconuts Nearing Chinese Market Entry
Vietnam’s coconuts are close to gaining official approval for import into China. Overall marking a significant boost for the country’s agricultural exports. Negotiations between Vietnam and China on the necessary phytosanitary protocol have concluded, and the agreement is expected to be signed soon. The General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) has already listed Vietnamese coconuts as eligible for "trial imports." This development could pave the way for substantial growth in Vietnam’s coconut export revenue.Vietnam’s Coconut Industry: A Growing Export Powerhouse
Coconuts play a crucial role in Vietnam’s agriculture, particularly in the coastal provinces of central Vietnam and the Mekong Delta. With nearly 200,000 hectares of plantations, the country produces around 2 million metric tons of coconuts each year. Vietnam ranks as the world’s seventh-largest coconut producer, exporting to 90 countries, including key markets like Europe, the United States, and Japan. In 2023, Vietnam’s coconut exports, including coconut-based products, were valued at $243 million.Ben Tre province leads Vietnam’s coconut production, boasting over 72,000 hectares of coconut farms. According to Tran Van Duc, president of Ben Tre Coconut Investment Joint Stock Company (Beinco), China presents a vast opportunity for Vietnam. China’s demand for fresh coconuts is massive, with an estimated 2.6 billion units consumed annually. However, the country’s domestic production meets only 10% of this demand, making imports crucial. Van Duc believes that Vietnam’s proximity and lower production costs make its coconuts highly attractive to Chinese consumers. He estimates that Vietnam could generate $300 million annually from the Chinese market once access is granted.
The potential entry of Vietnamese coconuts into China’s market has raised concerns in Thailand, particularly within its coconut milk industry. Thailand’s coconut sector is already under pressure due to recent unfavorable weather conditions. Such as high temperatures and drought, which have pushed coconut prices to record highs. Farm gate prices in Thailand have risen to $1.16 per piece, with retail and export prices even higher.
Thailand’s coconut milk industry relies heavily on exports to China, which accounts for over 60% of its coconut-based product sales. The arrival of Vietnamese coconuts in China could disrupt this balance, mirroring the impact seen with durians. In 2022, when Vietnamese durians entered the Chinese market, the market share of Thai durians in China dropped sharply from 95% to 65.1% within a year.