Coconut oil and fractions market in Solomon Islands

Earlier Report Observations

At the start of the period, the market volume for coconut oil and fractions in the Solomon Islands remained stable, showing moderate growth from 2 330 t in 2018 to 2 607 t in 2020. This expansion occurred against the backdrop of the Rhinoceros beetle invasion, which reduced copra production—the key raw material for oil—and created supply chain constraints. Despite these limitations, domestic demand and milling capacity allowed the market to grow.

Following the 2020 peak, market volume dipped to 2 426 t in 2021 but then surged to 2 984 t in 2022, reaching the highest level in the period. These fluctuations were not accompanied by major regulatory or industry structure changes, reflecting the market's inherent volatility.

In 2023, market volume contracted to 2 529 t, coinciding with the Commodity Export Marketing Authority (CEMA) strengthening direct export pathways. This export policy shift enabled increased shipments of coconut oil abroad, thereby reducing the quantity available domestically.

Production coconut oil and fractions in Solomon Islands

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the Solomon Islands ranked as the 21st largest producer of coconut oil and fractions globally.

Top producers of coconut oil and fractions, 2017-2020

World map of production of coconut oil and fractions, 2017-2020

In 2020, the Solomon Islands produced 8 000 tonnes of coconut oil and fractions, representing a significant year-on-year increase of 23.1%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 6.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 6 500 tonnes, while the highest was in 2018 at 8 000 tonnes. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019, with an 18.8% drop.

Annual dynamics of production in Solomon Islands in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports coconut oil and fractions from Solomon Islands

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, the Solomon Islands exported 5 410 tonnes of coconut oil and fractions, marking a 29.2% increase compared to 2019. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 4 188 tonnes, and the highest was in 2018 at 5 670 tonnes. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, with a 26.1% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Solomon Islands in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Switzerland was the dominant export partner for coconut oil and fractions in kind, accounting for 82.4% of total flows, while other markets held relatively modest shares.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Solomon Islands in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Exports of coconut oil and fractions from the Solomon Islands increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 7 763 thousand US dollars, up 23.3% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 4.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 6 135 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline occurred that same year with a 24.8% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Solomon Islands in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Switzerland accounted for 79.1% of total exports in value terms, with the remaining flows distributed among a broad group of smaller countries.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Solomon Islands in value, 2017-2020

Imports coconut oil and fractions to Solomon Islands

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes showed considerable volatility during this period. The lowest level was recorded in 2018 at 0.0 tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2019 at 43 tonnes, representing a dramatic 4 302-fold increase. In 2020, imports stood at 17 tonnes, reflecting a sharp contraction of 59.5% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was in 2018 with a 76.2% drop, and the most significant increase was in 2019, soaring by 430,100.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Solomon Islands in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Malaysia and Indonesia were the primary suppliers of coconut oil and fractions to the Solomon Islands, together accounting for 99.9% of total imports in kind.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Solomon Islands in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Import values exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. The lowest point was in 2018 at 0.2 thousand US dollars, while the peak was in 2019 at 36 thousand US dollars, representing a 170-fold increase. In 2020, imports amounted to 12 thousand US dollars, down 68.0% from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 73.3% drop, and the most substantial increase was in 2019, rising by 16,894.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Solomon Islands in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Malaysia dominated the import structure in value terms, holding a 74.2% share of total flows, while other partners maintained relatively minor shares.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Solomon Islands in value, 2017-2020