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Desiccated coconuts: production costs not covered

November 4, 2025 at 9:35 AM , Der AUDITOR
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MANILA/BANGKOK. Coconut prices in Thailand are so low that growers cannot cover their production costs. As a result, many coconuts are not being harvested. In the Philippines, prices for desiccated coconuts remain stable.

Bad weather delays copra deliveries

Prices for Philippine desiccated coconuts have remained stable for almost two months now and continue to stand at USD 1.47-1.90/lb FOB for shipments to the US and Europe. “This consistency offered a rare bright spot amid broader market volatility”, according to the market experts at T.M. Duché. On the domestic market, however, prices for desiccated coconuts have risen slightly again. In contrast, coconut oil is continuing its downward trend, which can also be observed internationally. Copra prices have also fallen significantly in the main growing regions, highlighting the current weakness of the sector. T.M. Duché also reports that unfavourable weather conditions delayed copra deliveries to processors, reducing processing capacity and posing further challenges for the market.

Desiccated coconuts

Quality/Origin

USD/kg

Fine, high fat, FOB Indonesia

2.98

Medium, high fat, FOB Indonesia

3.10

Fine, high fat, FOB Vietnam

2.45

Medium, high fat, FOB India

3.52

Trade sources; price indications

China is buying more in Vietnam

Meanwhile, The Nation has little good news to report with regard to the Thai coconut market. Prices have fallen sharply and in some cases only cover half of the production costs, leading to considerable financial losses for growers. The problem is that Chinese buyers are increasingly sourcing goods from Vietnam, leaving Thai exporters stuck with their stocks; As a result, they are buying less from farmers. In some cases, the coconuts are simply left on the palms because harvesting them is not profitable and there are no buyers.

The shift in exports began with Vietnam's formal entry into the Chinese market in 2024. The agreement allows Vietnam to export fresh coconuts directly to China, previously Thailand's most important export destination. According to The Nation, cheaper freight costs due to geographical proximity and a state-coordinated export policy favour Vietnam's position. In Thailand, local producers are now calling for measures to stabilise prices and restore competitiveness, as the annual production value is in the billions.

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