Coconuts market in India

Earlier Report Observations

The coconut market volume in India declined from 16.4 million tons in 2018 to 14.0 million tons in 2020, primarily due to supply chain and production disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although consumer demand for health-beneficial products like tender coconut and coconut water increased, especially in northern India, these were insufficient to offset the pandemic's impact on overall supply.

After a slight recovery to 14.2 million tons in 2021, market volume dropped again to 13.2 million tons in 2022. By 2023, it rebounded to 14.1 million tons, supported by rising demand for coconut water and coconut-based snacks, as well as the emergence of new product segments such as vegan ice creams using coconut milk. Government initiatives through the Coconut Development Board focused on production support and export promotion, while climatic factors in 2024 led to supply shortages and higher coconut oil prices.

Production coconuts in India

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, India held the third position globally in coconut production.

Top producers of coconuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of coconuts, 2017-2020

India's coconut production declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 14,006 thousand tonnes of coconuts, marking a gradual decrease of 4.6% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 25.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.8%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 16,413 thousand tonnes, which represented a significant increase of 47.0% from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 10.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, India's coconut output was valued at 14,996 million US dollars, reflecting a gradual year-over-year increase of 3.3%. Between 2017 and 2020, production value rose by 23.4%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 7.3%. The peak value was reached in 2018 at 17,831 million US dollars, showing a substantial increase of 46.7% from the previous year. The most significant drop was recorded in 2019, with an 18.6% decrease.

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

Exports coconuts from India

Exports in kind, t

India's coconut exports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 54,533 tonnes, showing no significant change compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 31.6%, which translates to an average annual decline of 11.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India's coconut exports in volume were distributed across a wide range of partner countries. The United Arab Emirates accounted for 35.6% of exports, Afghanistan for 6.5%, and Oman for 6.2%. Together, these three countries represented just 48.4% of total export flows, indicating a diversified market.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, India's coconut export value increased in 2020. The country exported 58,390 thousand US dollars worth of coconuts, up by 8.2% compared to 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, export value fell by 32.7%, equating to an average annual decrease of 12.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 53,962 thousand US dollars, which marked a significant decline of 22.9% from the previous year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Arab Emirates was the largest buyer of Indian coconuts in value terms, accounting for 27.4% of exports. Afghanistan followed with 10.4%, and Iran with 9.3%. Even combined, these three countries represented only 47.1% of total export value, highlighting a broadly diversified partner base.

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

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

Imports coconuts to India

Imports in kind, t

The import market showed volatility during the observed period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 60-fold difference between these years. In 2020, India's coconut import volume was 5,238 tonnes, down sharply by 74.5% year-over-year. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 20,531 tonnes, which represented an extraordinary increase of 1,252.4% from the previous year.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Sri Lanka dominated India's coconut imports in volume, consistently accounting for 98.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The import market exhibited significant volatility over the observed period. Imports hit their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, changing by 52 times between these years. In 2020, India imported approximately 10,428 thousand US dollars worth of coconuts, a sharp drop of 63.3% compared to 2019. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 28,437 thousand US dollars, which saw a remarkable increase of 1,286.7% from the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Sri Lanka played a dominant role in India's coconut imports in value terms, consistently accounting for 98.5% of total flows.

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

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