Coconut Market Update 1st December 2025

Desiccated Coconut

Export prices for desiccated coconut remained stable for the 12th consecutive week at 147-190¢/lb FOB across the USA, Europe, and other markets. This sustained price level represents a significant increase from November 2024, when prices averaged 99.33¢/lb.

In the domestic market, desiccated coconut showed a modest increase to ₱5,310-5,605 per 100 lbs bag, up slightly from the previous week.

Coconut Oil

The international market (Europe CIF) saw sellers at $2,325-$2,475/MT, while buyers were around $2,175-$2,350/MT, with the weekly average at $2,411.70/MT, decreasing by $53.30 from the previous week.

The Rotterdam market saw continued price softness this week, with coconut oil following broader vegetable oil trends downward despite increased buyer participation.

The domestic market reports that crude coconut oil now costs between ₱134.50 and ₱151.00 per kilogram, a drop from last week’s range of ₱143 to ₱151.00. RBD coconut oil is priced from ₱152.50 to ₱155.00 per kilogram, slightly lower than the previous range of ₱153.50 to ₱155.00.

Local Copra Prices

Average Farmgate Price: ₱57.52/kg (down from ₱57.66/kg) Average Millgate Price: ₱71.29/kg (down from ₱71.49/kg)

Local copra prices declined after a protracted rally over recent weeks, with the largest declines occurring in Quezon province.

Container Shipping Update

For coconut shippers exporting from Asia to North-west Europe, the cost of a 40ft container to Rotterdam has decreased slightly but remains significantly higher than the minimal prices seen in 2023.

Drewry’s newest World Container Index reports Shanghai–Rotterdam spot rates at around US$2,165 per 40ft, a 1% decline week-on-week. Meanwhile, the composite index is at US$1,806 per 40ft, which is 46% lower than last year but still above pre-COVID levels.

For our Philippine suppliers, this indicates that freight costs are no longer the major obstacle they were at the peak, but shipping is still not inexpensive—especially when considering feeder shipments from the Philippines and bunker surcharges.

Carriers are also trying to raise FAK rates to US$3,100–4,000 from December 1, employing GRIs to recover margins before 2026 contract negotiations, despite a fragile supply–demand balance due to more blank sailings and declining global volumes. Coconut buyers should expect current Asia–Europe rates to stay steady or increase into Q1. However, they should be cautious about locking in long-term deals at current high levels without some form of downside protection, as this market has been rapidly adjusting.

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.