Free of charge

Desiccated coconuts: EU imports are declining

May 17, 2023 at 11:38 AM , Der AUDITOR
Play report as audio

MANILA/BRUSSELS. While the market for desiccated coconuts is currently rather quiet, the demand for roasted coconut chips is increasing. The El Niño weather phenomenon will prove to be an important factor for market development this year. EU imports are down year-on-year.

El Niño threatens crops

As the experts at T. M. Duché report, the forecasts for the palm oil market in 2023 are rather mixed. Prices are likely to fall in some origins due to high supply, while the El Niño weather phenomenon could have a negative impact on crops in other producing countries. Demand is currently rather low and, according to T. M. Duché, there are now two possibilities: Weak demand and dampened purchasing power due to economic crises will cause prices to fall, or the bad weather will cause supply to shrink massively and prices to remain high.

Coconut chips become more popular

The market for desiccated coconuts is currently rather quiet, as most buyers have already stocked up on sufficient goods. According to Chelmer Foods, the situation is different in the market for roasted coconut chips, which are becoming increasingly popular. Freight rates from Sri Lanka are comparatively low and Chelmer Foods expects this trend to continue over the next 18 months, which should encourage more players to enter the market. The price development in Sri Lanka remains exciting, as import taxes on palm oil and the switch of consumers to coconut oil will have a direct impact here.

Philippines remain most important supplier for the EU

The EU reduced its imports of dried coconut products by 6.7% in 2022, bringing imports to 78,901 mt. The Philippines was the most important supplier with 42,118 mt. Indonesia remains in second place, but exports to EU countries fell by more than a quarter. Sri Lanka, however, was able to increase its shipments by 18.8% to 8,695 mt.

Dried coconut* imports, EU, in mt

Supplier

2021

2022

Diff.

Philippines

39,096

42,118

7.7%

Indonesia

32,792

24,574

-25.1%

Sri Lanka

7,320

8,695

18.8%

Vietnam

1,512

1,612

6.6%

Malaysia

702

572

-18.5%

Others

3,100

1,330

-57.1%

Total

84,522

78,901

-6.7%

European Commission / Eurostat (Comext)

*08011100 Desiccated coconuts

View more
price chart, desiccated coconuts, Sri Lanka
price chart, desiccated coconuts, Indonesia
price chart, desiccated coconuts, Philippines 
price chart, coconut oil, Indonesia
more price charts

View related articles

Go to the News Overview
Dried Fruit
Aug 25, 2026
MANISA/TASHKENT. With the change of season fast approaching, Turkish sultana production is in full swing. Exports will no longer be able to make up the shortfall compared with last year. Uzbekistan managed to increase its sultana exports in the first half of 2026.
Dried Fruit
Aug 25, 2026
MALATYA. The apricot harvest is almost complete, but demand remains weak due to seasonal factors. Prices have not yet stabilised and vary significantly depending on the supplier. At the same time, increasing competition from Uzbekistan is putting pressure on Turkish exports.
Nuts
Aug 25, 2026
MADRID/SACRAMENTO. Spider mites will put a dent on production in Córdoba in Spain. Exports have surged to the US for almonds. Prices only know one direction.
Nuts
Aug 24, 2026
REUS/BRUSSELS. The pine nut crop is expected to be significantly better again in both Asia and the Mediterranean region in 2026/2027. EU countries have imported around 21% fewer pine nuts from third countries over the past twelve months.