Coconuts market in Dominican Republic

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018, coconut production in the Dominican Republic entered a steady growth trajectory, supported by the National Plan for the Relaunch of the Coconut Sector initiated by FEDA (Special Fund for Agricultural Development). The plan included planting new areas and training producers in advanced practices, which helped raise yields. At the same time, local and international demand for coconut derivatives such as coconut water, oil, and milk expanded, providing further incentive to increase output.

By 2021, the industry saw the emergence of new market segments, exemplified by the first export of young coconuts for water to the United States by Dipesa International Group. Despite rising domestic production, internal demand—particularly from over 30 processing plants—continued to outpace supply, leading to significant imports in 2021‑2022. The global popularity of coconut water as a healthy, low‑sugar beverage further boosted consumption.

By 2023, production reached 566.6 thousand tons and market volume 573.6 thousand tons, reflecting the cumulative effect of public investment and sustained demand for processed coconut products. The sector still faces constraints such as aging plantations and high land costs, but modernization efforts and product diversification have helped maintain positive momentum.

Production coconuts in Dominican Republic

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

The Dominican Republic ranked 15th globally in coconut production from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of coconuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of coconuts, 2017-2020

Coconut production in the Dominican Republic grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 423.9 thousand tonnes of coconuts, marking a 0.6% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 8.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Coconut production in the Dominican Republic increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 286.6 million US dollars, representing a 10.9% year-over-year rise. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 19.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 239.5 million US dollars, which saw a decline of 0.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Dominican Republic in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports coconuts from Dominican Republic

Exports in kind, t

The volume of coconut exports from the Dominican Republic fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 12 137 tonnes, down 17.7% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 4.1%, with an average annual decline of 1.4%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 18 339 tonnes, which saw a 44.8% increase. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 19.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Haiti were the leading destinations for coconut exports in volume, together accounting for 85.3% of total flows, while the remaining share was distributed among other countries.

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 coconut exports from the Dominican Republic declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 8 207 thousand US dollars, showing a modest decrease of 9.2% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 5.4%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 1.8%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 10 860 thousand US dollars, which saw a 39.5% rise. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 16.8%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the United States and Haiti accounted for 86.1% of total coconut exports in value terms, with the remaining share spread among other destinations, each contributing smaller amounts.

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 coconuts to Dominican Republic

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, the volume of coconut imports into the Dominican Republic increased. In 2020, imports reached 15 613 tonnes, up 60.8% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 15.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.9%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 9 711 tonnes, which saw a decline of 21.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Guyana and the United States were the key partners for coconut imports in volume, together making up 85.1% of total flows, while other partners accounted for the remainder.

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

The market showed an unstable trend during this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 6 656 thousand US dollars, which saw a decline of 25.1%, and peaked in 2020 at 11 680 thousand US dollars, representing a 75.5% increase from 2019. Overall, imports changed by a factor of 1.8 between these years.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Guyana and the United States were the primary suppliers of coconuts to the Dominican Republic in value terms, together holding 81.1% of total imports, with other countries comprising the rest.

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

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