Arabfields, Abidjan, October 13, 2025 – Côte d’Ivoire, the world’s largest cocoa producer, is experiencing a rocky start to the 2025/26 cocoa season. According to exporter estimates published on Monday, cocoa arrivals at Ivorian ports have dropped by 52% compared to the same period last season, with only 48,000 metric tons recorded between October 1 and 12.
No cocoa beans were delivered to the country’s ports between October 1 and 5, marking an exceptionally quiet start to the season. By comparison, 13,000 tons had been delivered during the same period last year. This initial delay is raising concerns about the pace of the current campaign, especially since Ivorian cocoa accounts for around 40% of global supply.
Between October 6 and 12, arrivals slowly picked up, with 23,000 tons received at the port of Abidjan and 25,000 tons at San Pedro, for a total of 48,000 tons. However, this figure remains well below the 87,000 tons recorded during the same week of the 2024/25 season, confirming a significant decline.
Several factors may explain this sharp decrease. Unfavorable weather conditions, including irregular rainfall and prolonged dry spells in some cocoa-growing regions, have impacted production. In addition, logistical challenges such as the condition of road infrastructure leading to the ports may have hindered the transport of beans. Exporters also point to a possible overall decline in production, linked to soil depletion and the aging of cocoa trees in certain areas.
Recent reforms in cocoa sector management, aimed at securing better prices for farmers, may also be affecting supply flows. Some observers believe that farmers may be holding back their stocks while awaiting price adjustments or further clarification on marketing mechanisms.
This decline in arrivals comes amid high volatility in international cocoa prices. The prospect of reduced supply from Côte d’Ivoire could further increase pressure on global prices, which are already high due to supply uncertainties in West Africa. Chocolate manufacturers and investors are closely monitoring the situation as global demand remains strong.
Ivorian authorities and industry stakeholders remain cautious in the face of this sluggish start. Measures to support producers, such as improving infrastructure and access to agricultural inputs, could help ease medium-term constraints. However, a swift recovery in arrivals will be crucial to maintaining Côte d’Ivoire’s position as the world’s leading cocoa supplier.
As the 2025/26 season begins under uncertain conditions, attention will turn to the coming weeks to determine whether this slowdown is merely a temporary setback or a sign of deeper structural challenges for the Ivorian cocoa sector.
