Copra market in Solomon Islands

Earlier Report Observations

The domestic market for copra expanded significantly to 10 645 t in 2019, a 50% increase from the previous year. This growth occurred alongside a sharp decline in exports, driven by a severe rhinoceros beetle infestation that began in 2018 and damaged coconut palms in key production regions. The pest outbreak constrained overall production and diverted a larger share of the available supply to the local market. Market volume stabilized near 10 483 t in 2020 as the beetle's impact persisted, limiting exports and keeping domestic availability high.

From 2021 to 2022, the copra market experienced a contraction, with volumes falling to 9 464 t and then 8 414 t. This represented a cumulative decline of over 20% from the 2020 level, indicating a period of reduced domestic availability.

A strong recovery took place in 2023, with the market volume surging 35% to 11 364 t. This rebound was fueled by increased production and favorable international pricing, supported by key exporters who strengthened the country's position in global markets. The positive trend continued into 2024, marked by record purchases from local farmers and significant financial contributions to the national economy, reflecting ongoing sectoral expansion.

Production copra in Solomon Islands

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the Solomon Islands ranked as the 17th largest producer of copra globally.

Top producers of copra, 2017-2020

World map of production of copra, 2017-2020

Following a two-year decline, copra production in the Solomon Islands rebounded in 2020. That year, output reached 18,000 tonnes, representing a significant 12.5% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production overall decreased by 10%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -3.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 16,000 tonnes, which also saw the steepest decline of 15.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Solomon Islands in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

After two years of decline, the value of copra production in the Solomon Islands rose in 2020. Output was valued at 9,416 thousand US dollars, marking a substantial 38.5% increase over the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, however, the total value of production fell by 35.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -13.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 6,798 thousand US dollars, which experienced the largest decline of 35.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Solomon Islands in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports copra from Solomon Islands

Exports in kind, t

Following a two-year decrease, copra exports from the Solomon Islands increased in 2020. The country exported 7,517 tonnes that year, indicating a sharp rise of 40.4% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, however, exports overall declined by 60.4%, equating to an annualized rate of -26.6%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 5,355 tonnes, which saw the most significant drop of 55.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export structure for copra in kind was dominated by two countries: the Philippines and Bangladesh, which together accounted for 100.0% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market for copra in value terms showed volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2017, with a 6.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the Solomon Islands exported copra worth 3,932 thousand US dollars, marking a sharp increase of 72.8% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 2,275 thousand US dollars, which experienced the largest decline of 65.5%.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, the Philippines and Bangladesh were the two primary destinations for copra exports from the Solomon Islands in value terms. The Philippines accounted for 83.9% of total flows, while Bangladesh made up 16.1%, together forming 100.0% of exports.

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

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

Imports copra to Solomon Islands

Based on desk research, there were no imports of copra into the Solomon Islands from 2017 to 2020.