Coconut, palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions market in Dominican Republic

Earlier Report Observations

The market for coconut, palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions in the Dominican Republic expanded from 15 786 t in 2018 to 18 533 t in 2023. This growth was driven by rising global and local demand for coconut-based products, particularly coconut water and virgin coconut oil, favored for health and aesthetic reasons. The country has specialized in coconut cream production, becoming the world's largest exporter, but faced constraints from aging coconut plantations, lack of land titles that limited credit access, and high land costs in traditional growing areas.

Market volume peaked at 18 867 t in 2021, supported by a surge in imports of raw coconut material to 3 098 t, reflecting the country's dependency on sourcing approximately 20 million fruits annually from countries like Guyana, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia. After a dip to 17 541 t in 2022, the market recovered in 2023 to 18 533 t, coinciding with the launch of a national plan by the Special Fund for Agricultural Development (FEDA) to boost coconut production through mass planting, backed by an investment of 883 million pesos. The first export of young coconuts to the United States by Dipesa International Group in 2023 also signaled entry into new export segments, while local consumption of coconut derivatives continued to rise as organic alternatives.

Production coconut, palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions in Dominican Republic

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the Dominican Republic ranked 29th globally in the production of coconut, palm kernel, or babassu oil and fractions.

Top producers of coconut, palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions, 2017-2020

World map of production of coconut, palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions, 2017-2020

The Dominican Republic's production of coconut, palm kernel, or babassu oil and fractions grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 15 300 tonnes, marking a modest increase of 3.4% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 7%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.3%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019, at 3.5%, while 2018 saw a slight decline of 0.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Dominican Republic in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports coconut, palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions from Dominican Republic

Exports in kind, t

Exports of coconut, palm kernel, or babassu oil and fractions from the Dominican Republic fell for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 53 tonnes, a drop of 37.4% from the year before. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 66.1%, translating to an annualized decline of 30.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Dominican Republic in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Italy, and South Korea were the top buyers of coconut, palm kernel, or babassu oil and fractions from the Dominican Republic. The United States accounted for 42.1% of exports in volume, Italy for 37.8%, and South Korea for 10.3%, together making up 90.2% of total exports.

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

World map of product's exports from Dominican Republic in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of exports for coconut, palm kernel, or babassu oil and fractions from the Dominican Republic declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 221 thousand US dollars, down 17.8% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value fell by 53%, with an average annual decrease of 22.3%.

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

During 2017-2020, the United States, Italy, and Trinidad and Tobago were the leading markets for the Dominican Republic's exports of coconut, palm kernel, or babassu oil and fractions in value terms. The United States held 57.8% of export value, Italy 15.8%, and Trinidad and Tobago 6.5%, collectively representing 80.1% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Dominican Republic in value, 2017-2020

Imports coconut, palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions to Dominican Republic

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, imports of coconut, palm kernel, or babassu oil and fractions into the Dominican Republic amounted to 1 600 tonnes, a decrease of 6.8% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports dropped by 10.1%, with an average annual decline of 3.5%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 1 582 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 11.2%, while 2019 experienced the biggest increase of 8.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Dominican Republic in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Guatemala, Colombia, and Ecuador were the primary sources of imports in volume for coconut, palm kernel, or babassu oil and fractions into the Dominican Republic. Guatemala contributed 42.2% of imports, Colombia 36.6%, and Ecuador 7.2%, together accounting for 86.0% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Dominican Republic in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, imports of coconut, palm kernel, or babassu oil and fractions into the Dominican Republic rebounded in value. In 2020, imports reached 1 769 thousand US dollars, up 14.7% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value decreased by 39.3%, with an average annual drop of 15.3%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 1 543 thousand US dollars, while 2018 saw the largest decline of 30.5%.

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

In 2017-2020, Guatemala, Colombia, and Ecuador remained the top suppliers of coconut, palm kernel, or babassu oil and fractions to the Dominican Republic in value terms. Guatemala accounted for 31.0% of import value, Colombia for 30.6%, and Ecuador for 6.8%, jointly making up 68.5% of total imports.

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

World map of product's imports to Dominican Republic in value, 2017-2020