Coconuts market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the coconut market in South America saw moderate fluctuations, with total volume hovering around 2.8 million tonnes. In 2019, the Colombian coconut sector reported over 22,000 hectares under cultivation and production exceeding 145,000 tonnes, indicating a solid foundation for future growth, even as the overall market volume experienced minor variations.

A marked expansion began in 2022, driving the market to 3.3 million tonnes by 2023. This surge was supported by substantial investments, including a $4 million US investment in the Pietrasanta plantation in Córdoba aimed at making Colombia the largest national producer, and strategic efforts to join the International Coconut Community to improve access to key export markets like the United States.

Production coconuts in South America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of coconuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of coconuts, 2017-2020

In South America, coconut production reached 2 852 thousand tonnes in 2020, marking a 3.6% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 8.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.7%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 0.7%. Conversely, the largest increase was recorded in 2018, with a 5.4% rise.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two consecutive years of growth, coconut production in South America experienced a decline. In 2020, the output was valued at 1 896 million US dollars, representing a notable 12.0% decrease year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value dropped by 2.7%, which translates to an average annual decline of 0.9%. The peak value was observed in 2019 at 2 154 million US dollars. The most substantial increase occurred in 2018, with an 8.2% rise.

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

Exports coconuts from South America

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility throughout the observed period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2020, with a two-fold difference between these years. In 2020, coconut deliveries from South America amounted to 21 924 tonnes, reflecting a sharp 98.6% increase compared to the previous year. The minimum volume was recorded in 2019 at 11 037 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 23.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Dominican Republic, the United States, and Trinidad and Tobago were the leading destinations for coconut exports in kind from South America. The Dominican Republic accounted for 64.1% of exports, followed by the United States at 4.7%, and Trinidad and Tobago at 3.0%. Together, these three countries represented 71.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, coconut shipments from South America to international markets rebounded. In 2020, exports were valued at 14 574 thousand US dollars, a 68.7% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 6.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 8 639 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 21.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States formed the primary group of destinations for coconut exports in value terms from South America. The Dominican Republic led with 63.4% of exports, followed by Trinidad and Tobago at 7.8%, and the United States at 7.3%. Collectively, these countries accounted for 78.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports coconuts to South America

Imports in kind, t

Coconut shipments to South America from abroad declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 27 300 tonnes, a 1.3% decrease year-over-year. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 28 140 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 3.7%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a 1.7% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam were the main sources of coconut imports in kind to South America. Indonesia accounted for 45.3% of imports, the Philippines for 30.4%, and Vietnam for 5.6%. Together, these three countries represented 81.2% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, coconut imports to South America totalled 41 697 thousand US dollars, up by 7.3% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 18.7%, with an average annual decline of 6.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 38 860 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 30.7%. The peak value was observed in 2018 at 56 067 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 9.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Indonesia and the Philippines clearly dominated the partner structure for coconut imports in value terms to South America, while other countries collectively accounted for the remaining share.

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

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