Exclusive: Ivory Coast cocoa farmer price payments raised, yet fears over cross-border smuggling remain

Ivory Coast authorities have released the latest prices paid for its upcoming harvest season, which are now at elevated levels of CFA 2,800 Francs per kg, which has reportedly fuelled concerns over potential smuggling with neighbouring Ghana, writes Neill Barston.

The heightened prices, which represented a reported 55% increase over the previous season have prompted concerns within the region that in spite of farm gate rises, may not be enough to prevent crops being shifted across the border, as agricultural workers continue to struggle on poverty level wages well under $2 a day in many instances. 

As Confectionery Production magazine recently reported, cocoa prices paid to farmers in Ghana in August were raised US5,040 per tonne, up from $3,100 in the 24/25 season. However, poor local currency exchange rates (in which agricultural workers are paid), meant that there had effectively been little upturn felt by many, according to reports in the region.

The increased pay to farmers in Ivory Coast have come amid a period of cocoa prices showing some signs of stabilising, with prices on the New York Futures commodities markets fetching around $6,700 a tonne, with figures having been marginally higher over the past two months.

This has led to some reports of the market finding a new level, though this is far from certain given the volatility of the past two years. As previously reported,  there were considerable industry concerns over a major upturn in prices that saw sums of $12,000 a tonne, which has been exacerbated by factors including cocoa trader speculation during the past year, appears to have receded.

According to the most recent figures released by Ivory Coast-based International Cocoa Organisation last month, during August 2025, prices of cocoa futures contracts experienced a rally in the first half of the month before reversing course in the latter half.

The ICCO observed that the  gains were driven by persistent structural and quality concerns affecting the 2024/25 mid-crop. As it noted, this was also compounded by fears over inadequate weather conditions in July 2025 and their potential impact on crop survival for the upcoming 2025/26 season.

Despite this, the organisation confirmed that prices showed downward movement later in the month due to subdued global demand for cocoa at elevated prices. However, it said there was cautious optimism for the 2025/26 crop, which has indicated a strong degree of uncertainty remains over prospects for the market in the coming months.