Coconuts market in Ecuador

Earlier Report Observations

The coconut market volume in Ecuador grew from 14 187 t in 2018 to 15 193 t in 2019. This expansion was supported by efforts to diversify coconut production, including the adoption of new techniques and training for farmers aimed at innovating and broadening market offerings. However, production continued to face the persistent challenge of lethal yellowing disease in coconut palms, which limited supply growth.

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted coconut exports and domestic demand, leading to a market contraction to 14 788 t due to logistical and mobility restrictions that disrupted supply chains. Despite this, the diversification of coconut-derived products, such as coconut water and oil, continued to develop in the local market. By 2021, the market saw a modest recovery to 14 875 t, aided by the gradual easing of pandemic restrictions and the resilience of the agricultural sector, including growth in certified cocoa exports which indirectly supported regional economic activity.

Market volume growth resumed, reaching 14 976 t in 2022 and 15 032 t in 2023. This steady increase occurred despite the ongoing presence of coconut palm diseases, partly offset by continued product diversification and the expansion of derivative products which helped stimulate demand.

Production coconuts in Ecuador

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of coconuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of coconuts, 2017-2020

In 2020, Ecuador produced 14 667 tons of coconuts, representing a 2.2% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production declined by 2.2%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 0.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 14 000 tons. The most significant drop occurred in 2018 with a 6.7% decline, while the largest increase was observed in 2019 with a 7.1% rise.

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

Exports coconuts from Ecuador

Exports in kind, t

The market showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. The minimum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 8.4 tons, while the maximum reached 40.8 tons in 2020, representing a 4.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Ecuador exported 40.8 tons of coconuts, marking a substantial 383.0% increase from the previous year. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 with a 37.1% decrease.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Colombia and Spain were the leading destinations for Ecuador's coconut exports in volume terms, together accounting for 97.6% of total flows. 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 Ecuador in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Ecuador's coconut exports in value terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export value reached 28.0 thousand US dollars, showing a notable 21.3% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 48.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -19.8%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Spain clearly dominated Ecuador's coconut exports in value terms, capturing 81.8% of total flows. Other countries each held significantly smaller shares of the export market.

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

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

Imports coconuts to Ecuador

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Ecuador's coconut import volume declined. In 2020, imports reached 162.3 tons, down 19.5% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 10.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.7%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 201.6 tons, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 10.1% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Philippines and Peru remained the primary sources for Ecuador's coconut imports in volume terms, jointly accounting for 90.4% of total flows. Other trading partners made up the remaining share.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. The lowest import value was recorded in 2017, while the peak occurred in 2018, showing a 1.8-fold fluctuation between these years. In 2020, Ecuador's coconut imports from abroad totaled 340.0 thousand US dollars, representing a modest 10.0% year-over-year reduction. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 420.1 thousand US dollars. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 with a 10.1% decrease, while the largest increase was observed in 2018 with an 80.3% rise.

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

During 2017-2020, the Philippines and Peru were the dominant suppliers of coconuts to Ecuador in value terms, together accounting for 87.3% of total imports. Other partners formed a less significant portion of the import market.

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

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