Coconut prices are surging across Asia due to extreme weather and pest outbreaks reducing supply, while global demand continues to rise. In Vietnam, the farm-gate price for fresh coconuts has reached 180,000–210,000 VND per dozen (12 coconuts), with retail prices up to 25,000 VND per fruit. A similar situation is happening in Thailand and the Philippines, where coconut prices have increased by 50–100% compared to the same period last year.

The main reasons include El Niño causing droughts and La Niña bringing heavy rain and off-season storms in major coconut-growing areas such as the Philippines, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. Widespread pest infestations have further reduced yields. Meanwhile, demand from major markets like China and the US has grown strongly, further pushing prices up.

Vietnam, with about 200,000 hectares of coconut plantations and an estimated annual output of 2 million tons, is seizing this opportunity to boost exports. In the first four months of 2025, fresh coconut exports grew significantly, especially to the US and China. In 2024, Vietnam’s total coconut and coconut product exports reached nearly USD 1.1 billion, with fresh coconuts contributing USD 390 million. Vietnam is currently the third-largest coconut supplier to China, accounting for 20% of its total coconut imports.