Coconut oil and fractions market in Mexico

Earlier Report Observations

Mexico's coconut oil production remained stable between 131,000 and 132,300 tonnes annually from 2018 to 2023, with minor year-to-year fluctuations. This stability occurred alongside persistent phytosanitary challenges, notably lethal yellowing disease affecting coconut plantations in Yucatán and other regions, which constrained significant expansion of domestic output. The total market volume showed a modest increase from 133,900 tonnes in 2018 to 136,300 tonnes in 2023, reflecting gradual growth in consumption despite periodic dips.

Regulatory changes played a key role in shaping the market. The introduction of front-of-package warning labels (NOM-051) in March 2020 and the nationwide ban on trans fats in September 2020 compelled food manufacturers to reformulate products. This ban potentially boosted demand for coconut oil as a trans-fat-free alternative in certain applications. Subsequently, the publication of NOM-259 in 2022 established specific manufacturing and labeling requirements for cosmetics containing coconut oil, further integrating it into regulated product segments.

Consumer interest increasingly shifted toward virgin and organic coconut oil varieties, driven by perceived benefits in food and cosmetic uses. This trend supported market growth despite regulatory adjustments. Later developments included updates to international standards for vegetable oils and the implementation of environmental norms in Mexico City for the management of used oils, promoting circular economy practices within the sector.

Production coconut oil and fractions in Mexico

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Mexico ranked 5th globally in coconut oil and fractions production.

Top producers of coconut oil and fractions, 2018-2021

World map of production of coconut oil and fractions, 2018-2021

In 2021, Mexico produced 132.3 thousand tons of coconut oil and fractions, showing minimal change from 2020. Production reached its lowest point in 2019 at 130.4 thousand tons, while 2020 saw the highest output at 132.3 thousand tons. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 0.5% drop, followed by the biggest increase in 2020 at 1.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Mexico in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports coconut oil and fractions from Mexico

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes experienced significant fluctuations during this period. In 2021, Mexico exported 45 tons of coconut oil and fractions, marking a sharp 94.2% decrease from the previous year. The peak was recorded in 2020 at 773 tons, representing a 17-fold difference between the high in 2020 and the low in 2021. The largest increase occurred in 2020 with a 206.2% surge.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Mexico in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, the United States and Colombia were the primary buyers of Mexican coconut oil and fractions, accounting for 98.7% of total exports in volume, with other partners playing a minor role.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Mexico in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values showed considerable volatility over these years. In 2021, coconut oil and fractions exports from Mexico totaled 174 thousand US dollars, down 90.6% from the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 1 847 thousand US dollars, creating a 10.6-fold difference between the 2020 peak and the 2021 low. The largest increase occurred in 2020 with a 58.8% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Mexico in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the United States was the leading destination for Mexican coconut oil and fractions exports in value terms, capturing 81.3% of total flows, while the remainder was distributed among various smaller markets.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Mexico in value, 2018-2021

Imports coconut oil and fractions to Mexico

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Mexico imported 1 936 tons of coconut oil and fractions, a 52.1% decrease from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports fell by 40.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -15.8%. The highest volume was recorded in 2020 at 4 045 tons, and the largest increase occurred that same year with a 32.6% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Mexico in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, the Philippines supplied 82.5% of Mexico's coconut oil and fractions imports by volume, with the remaining share coming from a diverse range of smaller sources.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Mexico in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Mexico's coconut oil and fractions imports amounted to 4 879 thousand US dollars, reflecting a substantial 42.2% drop from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, import values declined by 38.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -15.2%. The peak was in 2020 at 8 436 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase occurred that year with a 37.4% gain.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Mexico in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the Philippines remained the top supplier of coconut oil and fractions to Mexico in value terms, accounting for 82.6% of total imports, while the rest was spread across numerous other countries.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Mexico in value, 2018-2021