Coconuts market in Polynesia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2022, coconut production in Polynesia showed steady growth, supported by continuous government efforts to structure the industry and develop higher-value products. Initiatives such as expert missions to improve cultivation techniques and seminars to explore new market opportunities helped sustain output. The development of waste valorization projects, turning coconut residues into agricultural substrate, also contributed to a more circular economy and reduced waste.

A significant surge occurred in 2023, with production jumping to 240.8 thousand tons. This was directly driven by the implementation of an import ban on coconut water, oil, and milk effective from late March 2023, which protected local producers. Simultaneously, two large-capacity processing units were under construction, further boosting domestic capacity and market size. The earlier launch of the Ha’ari contest in 2022 to identify valuable coconut varieties engaged local communities and supported long-term sector development.

In 2024, the government adopted measures to promote traditional coconut crafts for the Paris Olympics, reinforcing the sector's cultural and economic profile and continuing the focus on valorizing coconut-based products.

Production coconuts in Polynesia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of coconuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of coconuts, 2017-2020

Polynesia's coconut production volume increased for the second consecutive year. In 2019, production reached 217.7 thousand tonnes, which was the lowest level recorded during this period. In 2020, production rose slightly to 219.7 thousand tonnes, showing minimal change from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, when production fell by 1.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of coconut production in Polynesia was 151.0 million US dollars, marking a modest increase of 9.4% compared to 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 154.8 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 19.5%. In 2019, the value experienced the largest decline of 10.8%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production value grew by 16.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.3%.

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

Exports coconuts from Polynesia

Exports in kind, t

Polynesia's coconut exports increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 1 298 tonnes, representing a moderate year-on-year increase of 4.7%. The lowest level was recorded in 2018 at 1 133 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 30.5%. In 2019, exports showed the largest increase of 9.5%. From 2017 to 2020, overall exports decreased by 20.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -7.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, coconut exports from Polynesia were heavily concentrated, with Australia and New Zealand together accounting for 99.8% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, Polynesia's coconut exports increased in value. In 2020, export value reached 892.6 thousand US dollars, up 13.8% year-on-year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 784.1 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 15.8%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value decreased by 6.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Australia and New Zealand formed a highly concentrated market for Polynesia's coconut exports in value terms, together representing 99.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports coconuts to Polynesia

Imports in kind, t

Polynesia's coconut import volume declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 11 tonnes, a sharp decrease of 69.9% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 82.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -44.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, New Zealand, and Singapore led the structure of coconut imports to Polynesia in volume terms, accounting for 27.3%, 26.2%, and 12.6% of imports, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 66.1% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Polynesia's coconut import value reached 48.3 thousand US dollars, a steep decrease of 55.2% year-on-year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 107.9 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 60.6%. From 2017 to 2020, import value decreased by 46.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -18.6%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and Singapore played leading roles in coconut imports to Polynesia in value terms, accounting for 34.5%, 16.0%, and 16.0% of imports, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 66.5% of total import flows.

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

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