IVORY COAST TIGHTENS COCOA SALES AS EL NIÑO FEARS THREATEN NEXT HARVEST
By Boakye Stephen, Kumasi, Ghana | Reporting for Ghanaian News, Canada | June 4, 2026
Ivory Coast has reportedly sold close to one million metric tonnes of cocoa for the upcoming 2026–27 main crop season but is now slowing forward sales amid concerns that the developing El Niño weather pattern could negatively affect production.
According to multiple industry and regulatory sources cited by Reuters, the country’s Coffee and Cocoa Council (CCC) has adopted a more cautious sales strategy while simultaneously increasing premiums on future contracts.
One source familiar with the council’s decisions explained:
“We have already sold between 950,000 and 1 million tons for next season, but we preferred to slow down and be cautious.”
Industry observers say the move reflects expectations of tighter global cocoa supplies and sustained demand from international chocolate manufacturers.
The concern centers on El Niño, which has historically brought drought conditions to major cocoa-producing countries, including Ivory Coast, Ghana, Cameroon, and Nigeria.
A CCC source noted:
“If El Niño intervenes as predicted in June and July, it will be difficult.”
However, not all exporters agree. Some believe weather risks are being overstated and argue that the bigger threat lies in ageing plantations, disease outbreaks, and limited access to fertilizers.
The debate comes as fertilizer costs remain elevated due to disruptions in global supply routes linked to tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz.
Commentary | Boakye Stephen
The cocoa sector remains critical to both Ivory Coast and Ghana. Any significant reduction in output could influence global cocoa prices, farmer incomes, export earnings, and government revenues. Investors and commodity traders are likely to monitor weather developments closely over the coming months.
