Desiccated coconuts market in China, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The market for desiccated coconuts in China grew substantially from 36 526 tons in 2018 to 84 496 tons in 2023. This expansion was primarily driven by the rapid rise of coconut-based beverages, particularly coconut water and coconut milk. The coconut water market entered a fast-growth phase around 2018, with major brands like IF establishing dominance and coconut milk gaining popularity among young consumers from 2021 onward. This surge in beverage consumption increased the overall demand for coconut raw materials, directly supporting higher production and imports of desiccated coconuts.

China's heavy reliance on imported coconuts, with domestic supply covering only about 10% of demand, meant the growing consumption translated into sharply higher imports. Coconut imports via Hainan port reached the 500 000-ton level by 2021, easing raw material constraints for processors. Furthermore, the use of coconut water as an ingredient in tea drinks expanded the demand base, contributing to the continuous rise in market volume. The entry of multiple funded brands and continuous product innovation in the coconut segment kept overall consumer interest high.

Intense competition and price wars in the coconut water segment, along with a lack of unified product standards, characterized the later years but did not halt the market's expansion. The broader coconut industry's growth, fueled by health trends and new product applications, ensured the desiccated coconut market maintained its upward trajectory through 2023.

Production desiccated coconuts in China

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, China ranked fifth globally in the production of desiccated coconuts.

Top producers of desiccated coconuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of desiccated coconuts, 2017-2020

After two years of growth, China's production of desiccated coconuts declined. In 2020, China produced 31 073 tonnes of desiccated coconuts, which is 1.8% less than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 46.2%, representing an average annual growth rate of 13.5%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 31 652 tonnes, with the largest year-on-year increase of 23.6% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in China in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports desiccated coconuts from China

Exports in kind, t

The export market for desiccated coconuts from China showed significant volatility during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with an 8.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, China exported 293 tonnes of desiccated coconuts, representing a sharp decline of 45.1% compared to the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 533 tonnes, while the largest year-on-year increase of 285.3% occurred in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, and Iran were the leading destinations for China's desiccated coconut exports by volume. Bangladesh accounted for 69.7% of exports, Uzbekistan for 8.6%, and Iran for 4.3%. Together, these three countries represented 82.6% of China's total desiccated coconut exports during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

China's desiccated coconut export revenues showed irregular patterns, reflecting a volatile market environment. The lowest value was recorded in 2017, with the peak occurring in 2019, resulting in a 3.5-fold difference between these years. In 2020, China's desiccated coconut exports generated 308 thousand US dollars, marking a significant decrease of 43.3% compared to 2019. The highest export value was recorded in 2019 at 543 thousand US dollars, while the largest year-on-year increase of 86.7% occurred in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Uzbekistan were the main buyers of Chinese desiccated coconuts by value. Bangladesh accounted for 53.0% of export revenues, Hong Kong for 12.3%, and Uzbekistan for 7.9%. Collectively, these three markets represented 73.1% of China's total desiccated coconut export value during this period.

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

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

Imports desiccated coconuts to China

Imports in kind, t

China's imports of desiccated coconuts increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 15 686 tonnes, representing a significant increase of 15.8% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 40.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 12.0%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 11 151 tonnes, which also saw the smallest decline of 0.1%. The largest year-on-year increase of 21.4% occurred in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Philippines and Indonesia dominated China's desiccated coconut imports by volume, together accounting for 83.0% of total imports. The remaining volume was distributed among various smaller markets.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, China's desiccated coconut import value increased. In 2020, China imported desiccated coconuts worth 24 909 thousand US dollars, representing a substantial increase of 35.9% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value grew by 12.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.0%. The lowest import value was recorded in 2019 at 18 330 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 9.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Philippines and Indonesia played the leading roles in China's desiccated coconut imports by value, together accounting for 81.4% of total import value. The remaining share was distributed among other destinations.

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

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