Coconuts market in Malaysia

Earlier Report Observations

The coconut market in Malaysia grew in volume from 737 thousand tons in 2018 to 887 thousand tons by 2023. This expansion was initially driven by rising consumer and industrial demand, which exceeded domestic supply and led to increased imports from neighboring countries like Indonesia and the Philippines. During this period, production volumes also climbed steadily as agricultural research focused on improving seed varieties to support yields.

Market volume dipped in 2021 amid broader agri-food import deficits and reported instability in supply linked to climatic and market fluctuations. Recovery followed in 2022, supported by responsive government policies aimed at economic recovery. However, the total market value in US dollars declined from $534 million to $465 million over the six-year span, coinciding with global geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions that affected commodity prices and trade flows.

In 2024, data indicated that 96.8% of local production was consumed domestically. A shortage of coconuts in Indonesia later that year caused import prices to spike in Malaysia, prompting government monitoring and stabilization measures. By early 2025, local supply had begun to stabilize, with prices moderating slightly in some areas.

Production coconuts in Malaysia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Malaysia ranked 11th globally in coconut production.

Top producers of coconuts, 2018-2021

World map of production of coconuts, 2018-2021

Malaysia's coconut production declined after two years of growth. In 2021, the country produced 557.4 K t of coconuts, marking a slight decrease of 0.6% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production rose by 12.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.0%. The highest production level was recorded in 2020 at 561.0 K t, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2019 at 8.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Malaysia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2021, Malaysia's coconut output was valued at 429.5 M $ US, reflecting a modest decline of 3.1% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production value decreased by 13.7%, with a CAGR of 4.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 404.0 M $ US, which also saw the largest annual decline of 18.8%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2020 at 9.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Malaysia in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports coconuts from Malaysia

Exports in kind, K t

Coconut exports from Malaysia grew for the third consecutive year. In 2021, export volume reached 25.9 K t, showing a strong increase of 18.2% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports surged by 49.6%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 14.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Malaysia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Singapore, Pakistan, and Turkey were the main destinations for Malaysia's coconut exports in volume terms. Singapore accounted for 40.7% of exports, Pakistan for 22.9%, and Turkey for 9.9%, together representing 73.5% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Malaysia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Coconut shipments from Malaysia increased in value for the second year in a row. In 2021, exports amounted to 19 958 K $ US, up by 15.3% year-over-year. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value grew by 14.8%, with a CAGR of 4.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 14 104 K $ US, which also experienced the largest annual decline of 18.9%. The largest increase occurred in 2020 at 22.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Malaysia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Pakistan, Singapore, and the United Kingdom led the value structure of Malaysia's coconut exports. Pakistan accounted for 25.2% of export value, Singapore for 20.9%, and the United Kingdom for 15.1%, together making up 61.2% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Malaysia in value, 2018-2021

Imports coconuts to Malaysia

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Malaysia's coconut import volumes declined. In 2021, the country imported approximately 268.6 K t of coconuts, representing a significant reduction of 10.3% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports increased by 4%, with a CAGR of 1.3%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 299.6 K t, which also saw the largest annual increase of 12.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Malaysia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Indonesia was the dominant and nearly exclusive source for Malaysia's coconut imports in volume terms, accounting for 96.8% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Malaysia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Coconut imports into Malaysia rose in value for the third consecutive year. In 2021, import volume amounted to 78 478 K $ US, indicating a small increase of 2.4% year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, import value grew by 45.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 13.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Malaysia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Indonesia was the principal market for Malaysia's coconut imports in value terms, accounting for 84.2% of total imports. Other destinations contributed to a smaller share of the flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Malaysia in value, 2018-2021