Coconut oilcake market in French Polynesia, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, coconut oilcake production in French Polynesia increased from 3 260 t to 3 827 t. This growth was supported by government subsidies for copra cultivation, with purchase prices set at twice the global market rate to sustain local production and curb rural exodus. The key processor, L'Huilerie de Tahiti, purchased the entire copra harvest to produce crude oil, animal feed cake for the local market, and refined oil for Tahitian Monoï. In 2020, discussions emerged on using coconut oil for energy generation, potentially opening new outlets for the sector, although international competition from Southeast Asia continued to pressure the market.

Production declined to 3 409 t in 2021 and further to 2 976 t in 2022, before dropping sharply to 2 103 t in 2023. During this period, the market was influenced by its sensitivity to world price swings and competitive pressures from alternative vegetable oils, while state subsidies aimed at stabilizing copra farming continued. The practical limitations of oilcake, such as its quick spoilage, constrained its broader utilization in animal nutrition.

Production coconut oilcake in French Polynesia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

On a global scale, French Polynesia ranked as the 20th largest producer of coconut oilcake between 2017 and 2020.

Top producers of coconut oilcake, 2017-2020

World map of production of coconut oilcake, 2017-2020

Coconut oilcake production in French Polynesia increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 3 827 tonnes of coconut oilcake, marking a significant rise of 16.0% compared to the previous year. However, over the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production decreased by 28.1%, which translates to an annualized decline of 10.4%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 3 260 tonnes, with the largest year-on-year drop of 38.7% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in French Polynesia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports coconut oilcake from French Polynesia

Exports in kind, t

The market experienced notable fluctuations during this period. Import levels varied significantly, with a 8.7-fold difference between the low of 59.4 tonnes in 2018 and the high of 514.8 tonnes in 2019. In 2019, cross-border shipments of coconut oilcake from French Polynesia totaled 514.8 tonnes, representing a dramatic increase of 766.7% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 40.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from French Polynesia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, New Zealand and New Caledonia were the two key markets for exports in kind, together accounting for 100.0% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from French Polynesia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, $ US

The market displayed volatility over the observed period. Export volumes varied 3.3 times between the low in 2018 and the high in 2019. In 2019, foreign coconut oilcake supplies from French Polynesia amounted to 46 457 US dollars, showing a substantial year-on-year increase of 227.8%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 14 171 US dollars, with the largest decline of 30.7% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from French Polynesia in value, 2017-2020, $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, New Zealand and New Caledonia were the dominant buyers of coconut oilcake from French Polynesia in value terms, together taking 99.1% of total exports. Other partners played a less significant role in the export structure.

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

World map of product's exports from French Polynesia in value, 2017-2020

Imports coconut oilcake to French Polynesia

According to market intelligence reports, there were no imports of coconut oilcake in French Polynesia from 2017 to 2020.