Coconut Market Update 8th December 2025

Desiccated Coconut

Desiccated coconut export prices remained steady at 147-190 ¢/lb FOB for the thirteenth consecutive week, marking a notable 73.5% rise compared to November 2024 levels of 99.33 ¢/lb. This continued stability indicates balanced supply and demand in the desiccated coconut sector, with consistent pricing supporting predictable commercial planning despite volatility in other coconut product categories. Domestic desiccated coconut prices softened slightly to ₱5,297-5,591 per 100-lb bag.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil markets continued to weaken both internationally and domestically. Rotterdam prices dropped to an average of $2,368.50/MT CIF, down $43.20 from the previous week, as sellers controlled the market and buyer engagement was limited.

The market’s one-sided nature reflects a broader decline in vegetable oil markets, though coconut oil still commands a 29% premium compared to last year. Domestic crude coconut oil prices ranged from ₱135 to ₱144 per kilo, while RBD coconut oil prices stayed between ₱152.50 and ₱154.00 per kilo, with no buyer quotations for either.

Local Copra Prices

Local copra prices have continued to decline, with prices in Quezon Province dropping ₱450 per 100 kilos to range from ₱7,550 to ₱7,700 for sellers and ₱7,450 to ₱7,600 for buyers. Similar price decreases are observed in Bicol, Visayas, and Mindanao, where rates have fallen below ₱8,000 per 100 kilos.

Despite these recent drops, data from the Philippine Coconut Authority indicates that millgate copra averages ₱71.07 per kilogram, which is a 78.6% increase compared to last year, and farmgate copra stands at ₱58.29 per kilogram, an 87.9% annual rise. This suggests that prices are still well above historical levels.

Container Shipping Update

Shippers from Asia to North-west Europe face higher freight rates into Rotterdam, with Shanghai–Rotterdam spot rates reaching about US$2,241 per 40ft, up 4% week-on-week, and the WCI rising 7% to US$1,927. Asia–Europe maintains these levels better than other lanes due to carriers’ smaller, frequent GRIs and higher FAK levels before 2026 contracts.

The key variable is Suez: if transit normalises and capacity shifts into the market, Drewry warns spot rates could fall. For Q1 coconut shipments to Rotterdam, plan on US$2,200+ per FEU as the new floor, not ceiling.

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.