Desiccated coconuts: shortage continues

March 3, 2025 at 8:15 AM , Der AUDITOR
Play report as audio

MANILA. Unfavourable weather conditions continue to cause shortages in the coconut market. An improvement in the situation is not in sight for the time being.

Conscious consumption

Extreme weather could become a problem for coconut farmers in Thailand. Although the initially expected peaks of over 40°C are unlikely, the weather forecast predicts daily temperatures of around 35°C at the end of February and beginning of March.

The experts at JCP International fear that other coconut-growing countries could also be affected by a similar situation. Unfavourable weather conditions had already led to a shortage of coconut stocks in 2024. In Malaysia, the government has called on the population to ensure moderate consumption of coconut products, which already applied to the Lunar New Year at the end of January as well as the Hindu festival of Thaipusam, which is celebrated in the second week of February. Similar requests can be expected for the Ramadan period.

Firm to rising trend

Coconut yields have fallen significantly throughout Asia, in some regions coconut palms are bearing an estimated 80-90% less fruit than usual and in the Philippines the price of copra has risen by 135% year-on-year according to JCP International. Coconut oil has also become significantly more expensive due to the current situation. Desiccated coconuts for prompt shipments are currently not available from this origin; the earliest possible deliveries are currently possible for July and August. At the same time, coconut stocks in Sir Lanka are so scarce that the local population is struggling to meet its own needs.

Market experts reckon that the situation will hardly improve in the coming months. 2025 is characterised by scarce coconut stocks and high prices. According to T.M. Duché, prices for desiccated coconuts are currently holding steady at USD 0.80-1.70/lb FOB, while coconut oil has risen again compared to the previous week and is currently trading at USD 2,000-2,085/mt CIF Rotterdam. The rise in coconut oil prices is underpinned by rising prices for palm and soya oil.

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 21, 2025
ORDU/REUS. Palpable suspense has gripped the market for hazelnuts as weather conditions have turned unpredictable in Turkey. Istanbul major Ekrem İmamoğlu’s arrest has added further chaos. The International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC) has issued revised estimates.
Nuts
Mar 20, 2025
VANCOUVER/REUS. While the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC) has issued rather upbeat crop estimates for macadamias in 2025, prospects are clouded in Australia. The supply and demand dynamics are rather complicated at present with smuggling a potential problem in Kenya and economic considerations dampening appetites in North America.
Nuts
Mar 19, 2025
SACRAMENTO/REUS. Adverse weather conditions promtped US walnut production to fall short of expectations this season. Fierce competition is, however, preventing sharp price adjustments.
Nuts
Mar 18, 2025
THERAN/FRESNO. Attractive prices have propelled Iran’s pistachios exports to a four-year high. Yet, the tide is turning. Contrary to this, US exports have slumped by 30% with Poland being the biggest surprise.