Free of charge

Desiccated coconuts: production costs not covered

November 4, 2025 at 9:35 AM , Der AUDITOR
Play report as audio

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.

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
Mar 12, 2026
ORDU/REUS. Preliminary crop estimates are highly encouraging for hazelnuts in Turkey. The TMO has adopted a controversial new sales approach. Market prices are rather surprising. Exports have failed to make a recovery. Global production prospects are good for 2026/2027.
Dried Fruit
Mar 11, 2026
SANTIAGO/REUS. Although the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council has raised its production estimates for 2025/2026 for several countries, last year's results cannot be matched. EU countries have increased their prune imports by 20%.
Nuts
Mar 11, 2026
SUCRE/REUS. In its latest report, the INC's estimates for global Brazil nut production in 2026 remain unchanged from its November 2025 forecasts. The crop for the 2025/26 season is therefore likely to be significantly smaller than in the previous year.
Nuts
Mar 11, 2026
REUS. Prospects are highly encouraging for macadamias this year as the latest estimates issued by the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council highlight.