Desiccated coconuts: freight rates rise significantly
June 23, 2026 at 4:55 PM ,
Der AUDITOR
Desiccated coconuts hold their ground
The downward trend continued on the coconut markets. Prices for copra, coconut oil and desiccated coconuts continued to fall. The experts at T.M. Duché cite improved availability of goods and subdued demand as the causes. An improvement in crop prospects is of secondary importance.
Within the sector, desiccated coconuts proved to be comparatively stable. According to the United Coconut Associations of the Philippines (UCAP), exports remained constant for the 18th consecutive week. Whilst export prices were unchanged from last week, they were below the levels seen in May 2026 and June 2025. On the domestic market, however, prices weakened slightly. At the same time, prices for raw coconuts declined. As a result, the domestic market performed less strongly than the export sector.
The price decline also continued in the coconut oil market. Both international quotations and prices on the Philippine domestic market were below last week’s figures. This applied to both crude coconut oil and refined coconut oil, as can also be read in the latest industry update from T.M. Duché.
Copra prices fall, freight rates rise
Copra remains the most important indicator of market trends. The mill and producer prices published by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) fell both compared with the previous week and year-on-year. Prices reported by UCAP for goods delivered to Quezon also recorded declines. In the Bicol, Visayas and Mindanao regions, market offers were also at lower levels. At the same time, it is pointed out that the prices, which have now fallen significantly, could reduce growers’ willingness to sell should weather risks come to the fore more strongly.
Whilst prices for coconut products fell, transport costs rose significantly. According to the Drewry World Container Index, container freight rates reached their highest level in 18 months. Drewry cites limited capacity on Asia–Europe routes, the approaching peak season, the fuel surcharge adjustment planned for 1 July, and additional surcharges imposed by shipping lines as the reasons for this.
The El Niño weather phenomenon is considered the greatest risk to future developments. According to the ENSO update of 11 June from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), El Niño conditions are already in place and are expected to intensify further in the Northern Hemisphere by the winter of 2026/27. However, the effects on coconut cultivation are felt with a time lag, as drought stress impairs flower and nut formation after 12 to 18 months, according to T.M. Duché. Meanwhile, international export prices for desiccated coconuts have remained stable in recent weeks.
|
Desiccated coconuts |
|
|
Quality, origin |
EUR/mt |
|
High fat, fine, Indonesia |
2,550 |
|
High fat, medium, Indonesia |
2,850 |
|
High fat, fine, Philippines |
2,950 |
|
Trade sources; FCA EMP |
|
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