Coconut Market Update 16th December 2025

Coconut markets declined further this week, with copra and coconut oil prices easing both domestically in the Philippines and in key international markets. Desiccated coconut prices remain largely stable at high levels, supported by steady European demand, while local industry news continues to focus on farmer support and value-added processing.

Coconut oil prices in Europe were quieter and slightly lower week on week. Rotterdam CIF values traded mostly in the range of USD 2,270–2,345/MT, reflecting weaker sentiment across the wider vegetable oil complex and softer palm oil prices. In the Philippines, domestic millgate prices for crude coconut oil remained largely unchanged at PHP 135–144/kg, while RBD coconut oil edged down to around PHP 151–153.5/kg (VAT exclusive), confirming ongoing pressure at origin.

Desiccated coconut prices remain stable despite the broader market correction. Export prices are steady at 147–190 US cents/lb FOB for the fourteenth consecutive week, with European and US sellers unchanged. Locally, Manila prices edged down slightly to PHP 5,291–5,585 per 100 lb bag, a modest decline but still historically robust. Trade data continues to show Europe, including the Netherlands and the UK, as a major destination for Philippine desiccated coconut, supporting price stability.

Copra prices in the Philippines continued their downward trend. Average millgate prices dropped to around PHP 67.94/kg, while farmgate averages declined to PHP 56.57/kg, reflecting abundant supply and subdued buying interest from oil mills. Regional prices weakened across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, reinforcing expectations of limited near-term upside for coconut oil.

Asia-to-Northwest Europe shippers are facing rising freight costs in Rotterdam. According to Drewry’s World Container Index (week of 11 December 2025), the composite rate is about US$1,957 per 40ft, a second weekly increase, while the Shanghai to Rotterdam is around US$2,361, up 5% week-on-week due to year-end demand.

Rates remain below the pandemic peak of US$10,377 but above the 2019 average of US$1,420, indicating freight isn’t in crisis but isn’t cheap either.

TM Duchê Ltd continues to monitor developments closely across the Philippines, Europe and the UK, with a particular focus on coconut oil and desiccated coconut pricing. For more insights, visit www.tmduche.com.

Note:

The Rotterdam market is rarely used nowadays. Most transactions are handled directly by major commodities traders, typically known as ABCD—Archer Daniels Midland, Bunge, Cargill, and Louis Dreyfus, with Wilmar also being a significant player. These firms buy directly from millers in the Philippines, thus bypassing the Rotterdam market. When we refer to a quiet market, it doesn’t necessarily mean no business is being done; rather, it is just not publicly disclosed. Therefore, it shouldn’t be seen as an indicator of the market’s overall health or future direction. The UCAP in the Philippines relies on this information for its market forecasts, as it is the only available resource. We also pass this information on as part of our many information sources, noting that we do not have access to private trades beyond our own.