Coconuts market in Madagascar

Earlier Report Observations

Coconut production in Madagascar remained stable at around 69 600 tons per year in 2018 and 2019. However, in 2020, output fell to 67 200 tons due to the aging of coconut palms and a reduction in planted areas, with the leading producer SOAVOANIO—controlling 60% of the national market—facing a significant drop.

Production stabilized at 67 200 tons in 2021 as initiatives to exploit all parts of the coconut for added value helped support the sector. Concurrently, massive imports of dry pastries and breakfast cereals saturated the local market, negatively impacting domestic producers. The decline continued in 2022, with output reaching 63 600 tons, reflecting persistent structural challenges in coconut cultivation.

A recovery to 67 200 tons occurred in 2023. This rebound aligned with long‑term efforts by SOAVOANIO to renew coconut plantations and enhance the processing of derived products such as oil, fiber, and coconut milk—a plan formally detailed in 2024 as part of the industry’s revitalization strategy.

Production coconuts in Madagascar

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of coconuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of coconuts, 2017-2020

Madagascar produced 67 200 tonnes of coconuts in 2020, marking a 3.4% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 13.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.3%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 69 600 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 17.6%.

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

Exports coconuts from Madagascar

Exports in kind, kg

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2019 at 1 935 kg, then peaked in 2020 at 15 963 kg, representing an 8.3-fold difference between these years. The 2020 volume marked a substantial 725.1% increase compared to the previous year. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, falling by 86.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Madagascar in kind, 2017-2020, kg

Between 2017 and 2020, France and Mauritius together accounted for 92.0% of Madagascar's total coconut exports by volume, with other countries forming a diverse but less significant portion.

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

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

Exports in value, $ US

The market demonstrated volatility during the observed period. Export values hit their lowest point in 2019 at 3 302 US dollars, then reached their peak in 2020 at 12 506 US dollars, showing a 3.8-fold difference. The 2020 value represented a 278.8% increase from the previous year. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 70.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France accounted for 65.8% and Hong Kong for 14.3% of Madagascar's total coconut export value, together forming 80.1% of exports, while other partners made up the remainder.

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

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

Imports coconuts to Madagascar

Imports in kind, kg

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Import volumes varied significantly, reaching their highest point in 2018 at 31 003 kg and their lowest in 2020 at 9 991 kg, representing a 3.1-fold difference. The 2020 volume showed a 15.0% decrease from 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 62.1%, while the most substantial increase was recorded in 2018, rising by 157.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Madagascar in kind, 2017-2020, kg

Between 2017 and 2020, Indonesia was the leading source of coconut imports to Madagascar by volume, accounting for 63.6%, followed by France at 8.8% and South Africa at 8.4%. Together, these three countries represented 80.8% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. Import values reached their lowest point in 2019 at 20 161 US dollars, then peaked in 2018 at 75 515 US dollars, with a 3.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports stood at 30 659 US dollars, representing a 52.1% increase from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 73.3%, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2018, rising by 130.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Indonesia remained the primary supplier of coconuts to Madagascar by value, accounting for 57.6% of imports, followed by South Africa at 13.6% and France at 11.3%. Together, these three countries formed 82.6% of total import value.

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

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