Copra market in Malaysia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for copra in Malaysia grew from 65 808 t in 2018 to 86 136 t by 2021. This expansion was supported by industry studies on trade liberalization and a framework for the coconut subsystem established in prior years. Regulatory measures, such as the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority's (FAMA) licensing rules for transporting coconuts, helped structure the supply chain. A key driver emerged in 2020 when domestic coconut shortages led to increased imports from Indonesia and the Philippines to meet demand, particularly for mature coconuts used in coconut milk production during festive periods, thereby sustaining market growth.

Market growth continued through 2023, reaching 90 297 t, though at a more moderate pace. To address ongoing local supply shortages since 2021, traders increasingly relied on imported coconuts, with import prices rising significantly. Concurrently, government agencies and industry discussions focused on exploring new export channels, initiating talks on phytosanitary protocols to access the Chinese market for fresh coconuts. This period also saw strengthened government emphasis on agriculture, including coconuts, as a vital sector for food security and export potential.

In the later years, market efforts centered on securing international access, with continued negotiations to export fresh Malaysian coconuts to China. Domestic supply stabilized, and the market remained predominantly focused on local consumption, with over 96% of national coconut production directed toward the home market, underpinning the steady demand base for copra.

Production copra in Malaysia

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Globally, Malaysia ranked as the 8th largest producer of copra from 2018 to 2021.

Top producers of copra, 2018-2021

World map of production of copra, 2018-2021

Malaysia's copra production grew for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 85 000 tonnes of copra, marking a modest year-on-year increase of 8.2%. Over the 2018-2021 period, production rose by 30.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.4%.

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

Exports copra from Malaysia

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during these years. Exports reached their lowest point in 2021 and peaked in 2019, with a 21-fold difference between these years. In 2021, copra deliveries from Malaysia totaled 90 tonnes, representing a sharp year-on-year increase of 213.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Malaysia's copra exports in kind were heavily concentrated on Pakistan, which accounted for 74.7% of total flows, while other countries made up the remaining share.

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

The market showed volatility during this period. Exports in value terms hit their lowest point in 2021 after reaching their maximum in 2019, fluctuating by a factor of 19. In 2021, copra deliveries from Malaysia amounted to 83 000 US dollars, reflecting a sharp increase of 128.7% compared to 2020.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Pakistan consistently represented 82.4% of Malaysia's total copra exports in value terms, indicating a high concentration on this market, with the remainder shared among other countries.

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

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

Imports copra to Malaysia

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, Malaysia's copra import volume increased. In 2021, imports totaled 1 226 tonnes, showing a year-on-year rise of 51.8%. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 13.4%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 4.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 808 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 36.7%.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, Papua New Guinea and Kiribati were the key partner countries for Malaysia's copra imports in kind, together accounting for 82.6% of total flows, with other partners making up the rest.

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

The market displayed volatility over the observed period. The lowest value occurred in 2019, while the highest stood in 2021, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 2.6 times. In 2021, foreign copra supplies to Malaysia amounted to 961 000 US dollars, constituting a sudden rise of 150.5% compared with 2020. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 367 000 US dollars, with the largest decline also in 2019 at 56.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the main sources in the geographical breakdown of Malaysia's copra imports in value terms were Papua New Guinea (60.2% of imports), Kiribati (17.0% of imports), and Indonesia (8.0% of imports), together accounting for 85.2% of total flows.

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

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