Free of charge

Desiccated coconuts: buyers tend to panic buy

September 25, 2024 at 4:44 PM , Der AUDITOR
Play report as audio

MANILA/JAKARTA. Torrential rains and flooding in the major coconut-growing countries continue to be a problem in the international coconut market. Dwindling stocks in the western spot markets are causing buyers to panic buy.

La Niña could rage until February 2025

The Philippines are already reeling from the effects of tropical storm Yagi and the weather phenomenon La Niña has also left its mark. Floods and mudslides have damaged coconut plantations and oil factories, further straining the already tight supply situation, according to the experts from JCP International in their latest report. Further severe storms are expected until the end of the year. The World Meteorological Organisation has already warned that the effects of La Niña could extend into February 2025.

In other parts of Asia, too, torrential rainfall is causing flooding in many regions, including northern and southern Thailand and Vietnam. In contrast, the situation in Indonesia is not quite as serious, although heavy rainfall is also affecting the coconut crop here. After El Niño previously caused lower coconut yields, La Niña is now bringing immense amounts of water with it and coconut processors are fighting over the low stocks in order to keep their business going.

Prices could reach record high

Due to these circumstances, coconut oil prices are continuing to rise, currently trading at USD 1,750/mt in Rotterdam and market players are reckoning that prices could even exceed the EUR 1,800/mt mark. There is even speculation that high demand and limited availability could push prices up to a record level of USD 2,200/mt. As expected, prices for desiccated coconuts are following a similar trend. According to the experts at JCP International, buyers who have not hedged in advance with contracts are now panic buying. Further price rises are also to be expected here. Stocks are already running low in the important buyer markets such as Europe, the Middle East and North America, which is making prompt procurement more difficult. Freight rates have recently fallen again somewhat, but market players do not consider this to be a permanent trend. The ongoing conflicts in the Middle East could quickly lead to a turnaround.

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
Apr 24, 2025
MANILA. High demand and low stocks mean that Philippine coconut shipments may be significantly delayed. Prices are also very high, while freight rates continue to decline.
Nuts
Apr 24, 2025
SANTIAGO. Chile has ended the 2024/2025 season on a negative note as the final report issued by ChileNut highlights. Prospects are much better for the current season.
Nuts
Apr 24, 2025
LOXTON/MADRID. According to a news alert issued by the Almond Board of Australia the 2025/26 crop will fall at least 10-20% short of industry expectations. Tariffs have also impacted buying.
Nuts
Apr 23, 2025
REUS/BRUSSELS. According to the INC, global cashew production has declined slightly so far this year. The situation is different for EU imports, which are significantly higher than last year.