CAN THO – The Vietnam Coconut Association has proposed an export tax on raw coconuts to secure supplies for domestic processors.
Cao Ba Dang Khoa, secretary general of the association, told a meeting of businesses, cooperatives and coconut processors in Vinh Long Province on February 7 that the proposal had been submitted to the prime minister.
The association argues that taxing exports of dried coconuts used as raw materials would help protect the supply for processing and export activities.
Nguyen Thi Kim Thanh, chairwoman of the association, earlier proposed replacing the current tax exemption on dried coconuts with an export tax. She warned that without tariff measures to retain raw materials, the processing sector would face risks.
Khoa noted that some ministries and agencies are assessing potential impacts, including concerns over media reaction and domestic price movements. The association has provided explanations to provincial and central authorities.
Some stakeholders have raised concerns, citing a previous export tax imposed when coconut prices surged. That policy was later removed after domestic prices fell sharply, affecting farmers’ interests.
Farm-gate prices for dried coconuts in Vinh Long Province currently range from VND70,000 to VND80,000 per dozen of 12 coconuts. In September last year, prices reached VND240,000 per dozen.
Khoa attributed the current price trend to a broader downcycle across Asia. He added that Vietnam’s coconut prices remain higher than those in Thailand.
According to the association, Vietnam had about 140,000 hectares of coconut plantations in 2010, generating US$180 million in export revenue. By the end of 2025, the area had expanded to 200,899 hectares, with export turnover exceeding US$1.1 billion.
