Cocoa: The price per kg remains below the 2,000 FCFA threshold
Pricing dynamics in Cameroon's cocoa sector are below the revenue forecasts made by government agencies. Price reports from the field, released by the Information System for Sectors (SIF), managed by the National Office of Cocoa and Coffee (ONCC), indicate a surge on June 8, 2026, with the exchange value of a kilogram of beans ranging from 1,650 to 1,700 FCFA.
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The repositioning of buyers marks a gross increase of 150 FCFA compared to the previous range of 1,500 to 1,550 FCFA, which had been blocking transactions since May 22, 2026. The acceleration of purchase flows comes as the official closing of the 2025-2026 season approaches, set for July 15, 2026. However, the actual prices paid to farmers remain far from the government's initial projections, which had envisioned a valuation of between 3,200 and 5,400 FCFA per kilogram, following the gains accumulated over the past two years.
The capping of domestic prices below the 2,000 FCFA mark reflects the shift in the global market situation. Specialists in futures markets anticipate a rebuilding of global stocks and the emergence of a global production surplus, interrupting a cycle of three consecutive years of supply deficits. The rebalancing of market forces is driven by Ecuador's agricultural performance, which is expected to elevate the Latin American country to the rank of second-largest cocoa producer worldwide, relegating Ghana to third place. The anticipated abundance of supply is exerting downward pressure on terminals in London and New York, limiting the impact of quality premiums on the buying balances of exporters operating in the ports of Douala and Kribi.
The observed upturn in the production area has a paradoxical character given the seasonal logistical constraints. The return of heavy rainfall complicates the transportation of goods due to the deterioration of rural roads connecting agricultural basins to processing centers. The price increase reflects increased competition between local processors and accredited exporters seeking to fulfill their supply contracts before the regulatory halt of operations. The financial viability of family farms remains dependent on price stabilization and better local processing of raw materials to reduce dependence on foreign market fluctuations.
Bernardo
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