Desiccated coconuts: edible oil market also challenges coconut traders

October 28, 2021 at 12:02 PM , Der AUDITOR
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MANILA. Rising palm oil prices are also pushing up coconut oil, whose prices have almost doubled compared to last month. There is little hope for relief in the near future.

Chinese soy cultivation poses further difficulties

The difficult situation in the edible oil market does not leave out coconut oil. Problem is that a rush for palm oil has begun, supported by high crude oil prices, but driven above all by the prospect of a smaller Malaysian crop this year, which is hitting already tight stocks. As T. M. Duché experts report, in addition to crude oil prices, market players are increasingly concerned about adverse weather conditions and the energy crisis in China, both of which are negatively impacting soybean production. Together, these circumstances have caused palm oil to reach a new record high, dragging other edible oils, including coconut oil, with it. The price of coconut oil has risen by a whopping 45% compared to last month - some market players have therefore withdrawn from the market for the time being and are observing the price increases. European buyers, meanwhile, are trying to cover their open positions for the first two quarters of 2022, according to T. M. Duché.

Further price increases in 2022

Producers and shippers in the Philippines are already under great stress, with corona-related staffing problems causing delays while demand is very high. Europe's drive to produce food in an increasingly environmentally friendly and sustainable way is putting additional pressure on the coconut market, whether it is desiccated coconuts or coconut oil. For 2022, traders are not yet giving price indications, but these are likely to be significantly higher than the current level. Prices for desiccated coconuts on the European spot market have risen considerably again this month and are now just under EUR 2.70/kg FCA Spain for medium, high fat, origin Indonesia.

Desiccated coconuts

Quality, origin

EUR/kg

Fine, high fat, Indonesia

2.41

Medium, high fat, Indonesia

2.70

FCA Spain

Gloomy prospects

In answer to the question of whether price reductions are in sight soon, the experts at T. M. Duché can offer little hope. The shortage of certain edible oils is a fact and cannot be resolved quickly, and the labour shortage caused by Covid will continue to cause inconvenience for some time to come. In addition, it is typhoon season, which makes it difficult to predict what damage will be done to the coconut trees, so the prospects for buyers could certainly be better.

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