Cote d’Ivoire’s cocoa regulator has restricted the issuance of transport permits for cocoa beans to the ports of Abidjan and San Pedro to alleviate congestion and ensure farmers receive the guaranteed farmgate price, its managing director said on Tuesday.
The congestion at exporters’ factories early in the season created a false perception of excessive production, slowing bean purchases and pushing farm gate prices below the guaranteed level, said Kone, director of the Coffee and Cocoa Council (CCC).
In October and November, truck backlogs at factories reduced producers’ incomes as prices fell from the guaranteed farm gate price of 2,800 CFA francs (US$4.95) per kilogram to 2,500 CFA francs, he said.
“We’ll only authorize (beans) transport based on each factory’s unloading capacity. For example, if a factory can only unload 16 trucks per day, then only 16 trucks will be authorized to transport cocoa on its behalf,” Kone said.
He added that the measure has significantly reduced port congestion and improved market efficiency.
The restrictions have curbed prolonged sales delays, which previously forced farmers to sell at discounts or wait weeks for payment.
“December is peak production season, and timely action has already improved conditions since the last week of November,” Kone added.
Cocoa arrivals for the 2025/26 season are tracking forecasts, but Kone expressed concerns about declining output.
The CCC projects production at only 1.3 million tons for the current main harvest, down from 1.7 million tons three years ago.
The circumstances are not likely to reverse for several years due to the significant investments required to return to previous levels, he said.
Despite lower production, Kone said the regulator was satisfied with sales but described the situation as challenging for the sector’s long-term outlook.
