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Desiccated coconuts: pests threaten crop

July 22, 2025 at 4:22 PM , Der AUDITOR
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MANILA. A renewed outbreak of coconut scale insects could lead to lower yields in the Philippines. Prices for desiccated coconuts remain high, and coconut oil also continues to perform strongly.

Prices could rise further

The first half of 2025 has proven to be turbulent for the coconut market, as the experts at JCP International are well aware. Export prices for desiccated coconuts are currently largely stable – prices for Philippine goods could climb to a multi-year high if demand remains strong in the coming months. This is likely to push up prices in other origins as well. Although exports have fallen significantly year-on-year, due in part to adverse weather conditions and delivery delays, international buying interest remains high. Market experts highlight Europe, Japan and the Middle East as particularly important buyers.

Pest outbreak in the Philippines

At the end of June, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) confirmed a new outbreak of coconut scale, a pest that can cause significant crop damage. Four Philippine growing regions are affected. Although this outbreak is smaller than the one in 2014, according to JCP, it still poses a risk to yields and thus to price developments. In Indonesia and Vietnam, drought and ageing trees have led to an 80% decline in crops, while Sri Lanka is struggling with persistent inflation and logistical hurdles.

Desiccated coconuts

Type/Origin

USD/kg

DC, fine, high fat, FOB Indonesia

3.70

DC, medium, high fat, FOB Indonesia

3.75

Coconut chips, roasted, FOB Indonesia

4.45

DC, fine, high fat, FOB Philippines

4.10

DC, medium, high fat, FOB Philippines

4.10

Trade sources

Competitive advantage remains

Meanwhile, experts at T.M. Duché report that the market for coconut oil is also continuing to grow. At the end of last week, prices stood at up to USD 2,880/mt CIF Rotterdam, which is almost USD 86/mt more than in the previous week.

According to the market experts, the continuing upward trend reflects strong demand amid ongoing supply shortages in the countries of origin. The Philippines is defending its competitive advantage over other producers such as India and Indonesia, not least because the US customs policy creates favourable conditions here.

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price chart, desiccated coconuts, Sri Lanka
price chart, desiccated coconuts, Indonesia
price chart, desiccated coconuts, Philippines 
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