Free of charge

Desiccated coconuts: firm market

March 18, 2026 at 12:26 PM , Der AUDITOR
Play report as audio

MANILA. The impact of the Middle East conflict is also being felt in desiccated coconut prices. Delivery costs are also continuing to rise.

More stable price trend

The coconut market has stabilised this week, as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and increased risks to shipping around the Strait of Hormuz are causing a new risk premium across the entire vegetable oil sector, as the experts at T.M. Duché state in their latest report. In Europe, prices for coconut oil in Rotterdam for short-term shipments have risen to USD 2,160–2,325/mt CIF. Palm kernel oil has also recovered to USD 2,016/mt, whilst palm oil remains significantly lower at USD 1,294/mt. As a result, coconut oil remains expensive compared to palm oil, whilst the gap with palm kernel oil has narrowed.

In the Philippines, prices are rising across the entire value chain. Copra averages PHP 7,185 per 100 kg (+190 PHP), whilst crude coconut oil has risen to PHP 131.60/kg. National average prices are also showing upward trends. Following the significant correction in autumn 2025, the market now appears to be stabilising at a more steady price level.

Transport costs continue to rise

The market for desiccated coconuts remains stable at a relatively high level and continues to support processors’ margins. Export prices average USD 1.47/lb FOB, whilst local prices in Manila have risen. At the same time, exports in January recorded significant year-on-year growth of 24.7%, reaching 14,547 mt, according to T.M. Duché.

Internationally, several factors are influencing market dynamics, most notably production expansions in Sri Lanka, supply disruptions from India to the Gulf region, and potential plans in Indonesia to use more biodiesel. Added to this are rising freight rates – the Drewry Index rose by 8% – as well as higher costs caused by the war in Iran, leading to more expensive crude oil, which is above USD 100/barrel. This is leading to rising transport, insurance and replacement costs. Overall, these developments are driving up prices for coconut and other vegetable oils, particularly due to higher energy prices, rising freight costs and increasing uncertainties in global supply chains.

Desiccated coconuts

Quality, origin

EUR/mt

High fat, fine, Indonesia

3,000

High fat, fine, Philippines

3,100

Trade sources; FCA NL

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
Nuts
Sep 14, 2026
NEW DELHI/KHARTOUM. Demand from India’s southern states for high-quality produce is increasing, whilst international buying interest remains weak. In Sudan, peanut exports have fallen significantly as a result of the conflict there. In Argentina, poor weather conditions have led to a decline in both volume and quality.
Nuts
Sep 14, 2026
NEW DELHI/HO CHI MINH CITY. Weather conditions could hardly be better for the new cashew crop in Tanzania. Vietnamese processors had to close after losing money. Demand is up for the festive season in India.
Nuts
Sep 11, 2026
SACRAMENTO. US exports are clearly up as California Almonds August Position report shows. Carry-in supplies are lower than last year. Bullish market sentiments persist.
Nuts
Sep 10, 2026
ORDU. In Turkey, the TMO has responded to quality concerns for hazelnuts. Ferrero has adopted a rather unusual approach. Buyers are reacting in totally different manners to the current market situation in Europe and in China. Exports slumped to a twenty-year low in 2025/2026.