Ivory Coast Considers Cocoa Price Cut Following Ghana’s 28.6% Slash
The move comes amid growing financial pressure on farmers and ongoing coordination under the Ivory Coast–Ghana Cocoa Initiative to stabilise the sector.
- Ivory Coast is considering cutting its guaranteed cocoa farm-gate price to align with Ghana’s recent 28.6% reduction amid falling global cocoa prices.
- Cocoa prices have dropped nearly 50% in recent months
- Exporters and market observers expect Ivory Coast to announce the price adjustment soon
Ivory Coast is weighing a possible reduction in the guaranteed cocoa farm-gate price paid to its farmers, in a move that could mirror Ghana’s recent 28.6% producer price cut, as both nations confront a worsening downturn in the cocoa industry.
According to a report by Reuters, senior Ivorian officials say the government is exploring all available options while debating whether to align with Ghana’s decision to slash prices for the rest of the 2025/2026 main crop season.
Ghana implemented the reduction to respond to falling global cocoa prices, in coordination with authorities in Abidjan.
The ongoing discussions between the two countries, along with internal consultations within the Ivorian government, had not previously been disclosed publicly.
Under the Ivory Coast–Ghana Cocoa Initiative, the two leading global cocoa producers responsible for roughly 60% of the world’s output have been collaborating closely since the sector entered crisis.
A senior Ivorian official, speaking anonymously, said authorities are considering tough but necessary decisions to protect the industry’s future. Another source indicated that cocoa prices have dropped by nearly 50% in recent months, leaving the government with few alternatives as it seeks to safeguard the sector.
Reports suggest that an inter-ministerial committee has already convened to review the situation, with a final decision expected soon. However, the Ivorian government has yet to issue an official response.
Alex Assanvo, Executive Secretary of the initiative, said both countries are adjusting to the sharp market downturn and are taking steps to minimise long-term damage. He noted that trading teams from Ivory Coast’s Coffee and Cocoa Council and Ghana’s COCOBOD remain in close contact as they monitor developments.
Assanvo also defended the Living Income Differential introduced in 2019 to improve farmer earnings, arguing that the current price volatility demonstrates its continued relevance.
The cocoa initiative is preparing a high-level meeting between both nations to reinforce policy coordination as farmers face mounting financial pressure.
Exporters and buyers expect Ivory Coast to announce a price cut soon, with some industry players suggesting it may only be a matter of time before Abidjan follows Ghana’s lead.
