Coconuts, Brazil nuts and cashews market in Fiji

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for coconuts, Brazil nuts and cashews in Fiji expanded from 22 776 t in 2018 to 23 844 t in 2019. This initial growth was supported by the launch of a government programme to develop the coconut industry, which provided support for farmers to plant more coconuts. Private sector investments in replanting and processing facilities, such as those by Pacific Produce and Fiji Coconut Millers, also contributed to strengthening supply.

Market volume then entered a period of decline, falling to 18 723 t by 2022. The damaging impact of Tropical Cyclone Winston on main coconut-growing areas, noted in 2018, had a prolonged effect on production. This was compounded by long-standing industry challenges, including aging palm trees and high transportation costs, which constrained output.

A significant recovery occurred in 2023, with the market volume rising to 21 963 t. This rebound was driven by the earlier introduction of the new early fruit-bearing Mua Hybrid Coconut variety by the Ministry of Agriculture, which began to boost yields. Continued government efforts to promote exports and support farmers further aided the industry's expansion.

Production coconuts, Brazil nuts and cashews in Fiji

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

After two years of growth, Fiji's production of coconuts, Brazil nuts, and cashews declined. In 2020, Fiji produced 21 680 tonnes of these nuts, which represents a 9.0% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 4.3%, with an average annual decline of 1.5%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 23 822 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 4.9%.

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

Exports coconuts, Brazil nuts and cashews from Fiji

Exports in kind, t

The market performance showed significant fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 3.5-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Fiji exported 77.4 tonnes of coconuts, Brazil nuts, and cashews, down by 24.7% from 2019. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 102.9 tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 166.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, New Zealand and Australia remained the primary buyers of Fiji's coconuts, Brazil nuts, and cashews, together accounting for 98.6% of total exports in volume.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Fiji's export value of coconuts, Brazil nuts, and cashews increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 64.6 thousand US dollars, marking a sharp rise of 33.6% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 254.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 52.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, New Zealand continued to be the leading buyer of Fiji's coconuts, Brazil nuts, and cashews in value terms, holding 73.1% of total exports, while the remaining share was distributed among various other countries.

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

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

Imports coconuts, Brazil nuts and cashews to Fiji

Imports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Fiji's imports of coconuts, Brazil nuts, and cashews from abroad declined. In 2020, Fiji imported 125.2 tonnes of these nuts, down by 33.3% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 21.3%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 7.7%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 125.2 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 9.5%.

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

During 2017-2020, Australia (23.2% of imports in volume), New Zealand (18.7%), and the Philippines (18.5%) were the top suppliers of coconuts, Brazil nuts, and cashews to Fiji, collectively representing 60.4% of total imports in volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Fiji's import value of coconuts, Brazil nuts, and cashews declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports reached 222.7 thousand US dollars, indicating a sharp drop of 42.0% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 47.3%, with an average annual decrease of 19.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, New Zealand (23.4% of imports in value), Australia (21.2%), and India (18.7%) emerged as the main sources for Fiji's imports of coconuts, Brazil nuts, and cashews in value terms, together making up 63.3% of total import flows.

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

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