Coconuts, Brazil nuts and cashews market in Dominica

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for coconuts, Brazil nuts and cashews in Dominica remained stable between 2018 and 2021, fluctuating slightly around 8 400 t each year as domestic production held steady at 8 400 t and trade flows were minimal.

A significant shift occurred in 2022 when the market volume expanded to 9 467 t, driven by rising global and local demand fueled by consumer and tourism growth. This expansion was supported by the entry of new players, notably the Consorcio Cítrico Dominicano, which established its own coconut plantations, and the presence of over 30 processing plants in the country boosting capacity. Despite the challenge of aging coconut plantations that require renewal, annual coconut demand growth of 10% stimulated overall market growth.

In 2023, the market volume stabilized at 9 406 t, reflecting a consolidation phase after the prior surge. Exports continued to rise sharply, reaching 196 t, indicating a stronger export orientation. The persistent need to replace old coconut palms, which take four years to become productive, remained a key structural factor influencing the supply side.

Production coconuts, Brazil nuts and cashews in Dominica

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of coconuts, Brazil nuts and cashews, 2017-2020

World map of production of coconuts, Brazil nuts and cashews, 2017-2020

In 2020, Dominica produced 8 400 tonnes of coconuts, Brazil nuts, and cashews, showing no significant change from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 12.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.4%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 8 400 tonnes, which also marked the largest decline of 12.5% during this timeframe.

Annual dynamics of production in Dominica in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports coconuts, Brazil nuts and cashews from Dominica

Exports in kind, t

The export market for these nuts from Dominica showed considerable volatility between 2017 and 2020. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 3.8 tonnes, then peaked in 2017, with a 159-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports stood at 28.1 tonnes, representing a substantial increase of 646.0% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018, when exports dropped by 99.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the largest share of Dominica's nut exports in volume terms went to three key markets: Antigua and Barbuda accounted for 37.8% of exports, Saint Kitts and Nevis for 27.3%, and France for 15.0%. Together, these three countries represented 80.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values for these nuts from Dominica showed an unstable trend throughout the period. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 4.8 thousand US dollars, while the maximum occurred in 2017, creating a 119-fold variation between these years. In 2020, exports totaled 72.7 thousand US dollars, marking a dramatic increase of 920.6% compared to the previous year. The largest decline in export value happened in 2018, with a drop of 99.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the top buyers of Dominica's nuts by value were Antigua and Barbuda with 39.0% of exports, Saint Kitts and Nevis with 25.7%, and France with 13.9%. These three markets together accounted for 78.6% of total export value during this period.

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

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

Imports coconuts, Brazil nuts and cashews to Dominica

Imports in kind, t

Dominica's imports of coconuts, Brazil nuts, and cashews increased for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 10.9 tonnes. This represented a sharp gain of 48.4% compared to 2019. Over the entire 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 1 872.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 170.2%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the United States was Dominica's primary source for nut imports in volume terms, accounting for 48.1% of imports. Trinidad and Tobago supplied 15.3%, and France provided 12.3%. Together, these three partners represented 75.7% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Dominica's spending on nut imports increased for the third straight year in 2020, reaching approximately 37.8 thousand US dollars. This amounted to a rise of 63.7% compared with 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import values grew by 685%, with a compound annual growth rate of 98.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States remained Dominica's main supplier of nuts by value, accounting for 47.7% of imports. The United Kingdom supplied 15.9%, and France provided 13.1%. These three countries together formed 76.7% of total import value during this period.

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

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