Free of charge

Desiccated coconuts: Philippine production to be strengthened

December 18, 2024 at 4:17 PM , Der AUDITOR
Play report as audio

MANILA. Old coconut palms and adverse weather conditions pose challenges for coconut production in the Philippines. A new holistic concept aims to remedy this. Demand remains high.

Urgently needed new plantings

Coconut production in the Philippines is expected to stagnate in 2025, according to experts from BusinessWorld. The trees in the plantations are getting older and older, which goes hand in hand with declining productivity. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority already shows a slight decline in production, which, apart from the advanced age of the palm trees, is mainly due to unfavourable weather conditions as a result of climate change. In response to the declining productivity, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has instructed the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) to come up with a plan to revitalise the industry. According to BusinessWorld, the aim is to plant a total of 100 million new coconut palms by 2028. 8.5 million of these are to be planted this year, and the number of new plantings is to be significantly increased in subsequent years.

It is important that the state and the private sector work together to achieve these goals. In addition, the so-called Coco Levy Fund has been set up to support the modernisation and rehabilitation of the coconut industry. BusinessWorld reports, citing market expert Romeo I. Chan, that the act mandates a phased financial infusion into a trust fund dedicated to these efforts, and is to provide up to USD 1.3 billion over a period of five years.

Philippine exports on the rise

Meanwhile, T.M. Duché reports that global demand for desiccated coconuts continues to increase. The Philippine domestic market nevertheless recorded a slight decline in prices, while export prices rose compared to last week. The Philippines' desiccated coconut exports increased by 8.4% to 14,672 mt in October, exceeding the monthly average of 13,972 mt by 5%. The most important buyers are still the USA, the Netherlands and China. Despite the strong demand, however, there are also numerous challenges, according to T.M. Duché. Weather-related interruptions in the Philippines have reduced supply and increased production costs. In addition, there is competition from other tropical oil-producing countries. 

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
Dried Fruit
Feb 17, 2026
AYDIN. Turkish fig farmers welcome the rainfall in the growing regions. Authorities are developing measures to improve the quality and controls of dried fig production.
Dried Fruit
Feb 17, 2026
MANISA/CAPE TOWN. Rainfall continues in the Turkish province of Manisa. Biofach visitors report quiet days. The harvest has begun in South Africa.
Nuts
Feb 17, 2026
GAZIANTEP. First projections for the 2026 crop are circulating for pistachios in Turkey. Export demand is very low. The risk of war in Iran is impacting sales in Turkey.
Dried Fruit
Feb 17, 2026
MALATAYA. Growers in Malatya describe the current weather conditions as ideal for apricot development, and the flowering phase could begin soon. However, after last year's disaster, they are concerned about possible frost damage in April. Despite everything, exporters remain optimistic.