Desiccated coconuts market in Eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The desiccated coconut market in Eastern Asia experienced strong growth from 2018 to 2023, with total market volume increasing from 46 711 t to 93 411 t. This expansion was closely tied to a rising consumer preference for healthy and natural products across the region, particularly in China. The entry and rapid growth of major brands like if coconut water and Coca-Cola in the adjacent coconut water segment from 2018 onward significantly boosted overall demand for coconut-based ingredients, stimulating both domestic production and imports.

Several key developments reinforced this upward trend. The surge in popularity of coconut milk as a dairy alternative in 2021 and the widespread adoption of coconut elements by major tea beverage chains such as Heytea and Naixue created new, high-volume applications for desiccated coconut. At the same time, structural reliance on imported raw materials, highlighted by rising coconut arrivals at Hainan ports, kept import volumes high to support growing domestic consumption and production needs amidst limited local supply.

Market growth continued through 2023, nearly doubling its 2018 size. During this period, intensifying competition and price wars among leading coconut water brands began to shape the broader industry landscape. By 2024, while import volumes saw a slight adjustment, underlying demand remained robust, supported by sustained marketing investments, celebrity endorsements, and the entrenched consumer trend toward health-oriented, natural food products.

Production desiccated coconuts in Eastern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of desiccated coconuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of desiccated coconuts, 2017-2020

Eastern Asia's production of desiccated coconuts saw a two-year increase before declining. In 2020, the region produced 31 073 tonnes, marking a slight 1.8% drop from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 46.2%, which translates to an annualized rate of 13.5%. The peak was reached in 2019 with 31 652 tonnes, and the largest year-on-year increase of 23.6% also occurred that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports desiccated coconuts from Eastern Asia

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2017, while the highest was in 2019, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 4.7 times. In 2020, Eastern Asia exported 357 tonnes of desiccated coconuts, representing a sharp 57.2% decrease compared to 2019. The maximum volume of 834 tonnes was achieved in 2019, and the largest year-on-year increase of 123.8% took place in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the largest buyers of desiccated coconuts from Eastern Asia were Bangladesh, accounting for 49.8% of exports in kind, Uzbekistan with 6.1%, and Iran at 3.1%. Together, these three countries made up 59.0% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year rise, the value of desiccated coconut exports from Eastern Asia fell. In 2020, exports amounted to 443 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp 58.3% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value increased by 2.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.9%. The peak value of 1 061 thousand US dollars was recorded in 2019, which also saw the largest year-on-year increase of 64.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of exports in value terms was highly diversified. Bangladesh led with 26.7% of exports in value terms, followed by Canada and Uzbekistan, each at 4.0%. Together, these three countries accounted for only 34.7% of total flows, while a long tail of smaller markets made up the remaining 65.3%.

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

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

Imports desiccated coconuts to Eastern Asia

Imports in kind, t

Desiccated coconut imports into Eastern Asia increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 26 241 tonnes, reflecting a robust 14.3% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 30.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the top suppliers of desiccated coconuts to Eastern Asia were the Philippines, contributing 47.9% of imports in kind, Indonesia with 31.1%, and Vietnam at 6.2%. Their combined share accounted for 85.2% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, cross-border shipments of desiccated coconuts into Eastern Asia totaled 44 230 thousand US dollars, up by 35.2% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value increased by 11.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 32 719 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest year-on-year decline of 18.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the principal sources for imports in value terms were the Philippines, accounting for 51.3%, Indonesia with 24.8%, and Sri Lanka at 6.9%. Together, these three countries jointly accounted for 82.9% of total import flows.

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

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