Core Insights - Malaysia's cocoa industry has transformed into a significant player in the global market, becoming the second largest cocoa processing center in Asia and the fifth globally, with a remarkable export growth of 64% in 2023, reaching 13.47 billion MYR (approximately 2.85 billion USD) [1][4] Group 1: Industry Overview - Malaysia's cocoa bean production accounts for less than 1% of the global total, yet it plays a crucial role in the cocoa supply chain as a processing hub [1] - The country has modernized its production capabilities and established a comprehensive supply chain, supported by favorable government policies [1][4] - The "Bean-to-Bar" strategy initiated in 2010 has significantly enhanced the local cocoa processing industry, allowing Malaysia to evolve from a tropical plantation to a global cocoa manufacturing center [3] Group 2: Processing and Innovation - The cocoa processing involves several steps, including fermentation, drying, roasting, and grinding, which ultimately produce cocoa liquor, the foundation for all chocolate products [2] - Local brands like Beryl's are promoting supply chain transparency and innovative marketing strategies, such as printing farmers' portraits and plantation GPS coordinates on packaging, which has increased product premiums by approximately 30% [3] Group 3: Government Support and Trade Policies - The Malaysian government has established a multi-layered policy support system, linking chocolate sales to environmental conservation, which provides tariff reductions for certified products [4] - Free trade agreements like CPTPP and RCEP have enabled zero tariffs for cocoa powder exports to China and Japan, further enhancing Malaysia's competitive edge in the global market [4] Group 4: Cultural Integration and Market Expansion - The unique flavors of Malaysian cocoa are being integrated with local culinary traditions, creating innovative chocolate products that appeal to global consumers [5] - The combination of local ingredients with chocolate has expanded the flavor profile and market potential, attracting international attention [5] Group 5: Challenges and Future Outlook - The cocoa industry faces challenges such as climate change, which has led farmers to switch to flood-resistant cocoa varieties, and a shrinking cultivation area due to competition from palm oil [6] - Despite these challenges, Malaysia's cocoa industry has established a foothold in the competitive international market, showcasing its unique flavors and products to consumers worldwide [6]

Core Insights - Cargill has closed its cocoa processing plant in Yopougon, Ivory Coast, which had an annual capacity of 160,000 tons, highlighting the severe challenges faced by the cocoa supply chain due to climate change and structural issues [1] Industry Summary - Cocoa production and quality are declining, with a reported 31.2% decrease in cocoa grinding volume by July 2025, reflecting both a drop in arrivals and a high rejection rate of non-compliant batches [1] - From April to mid-August 2025, the quantity of coffee beans arriving at the ports of Abidjan and San Pedro was only 350,000 tons, a 30% year-on-year decline [1] - Unstable weather conditions have negatively impacted coffee bean quality, increasing impurity levels in trucks to 5%-6%, compared to the usual 1%, complicating operations for companies like Cargill and driving up sorting and cleaning costs [1] - The current vulnerabilities in the cocoa supply chain threaten foreign trade income and employment in Ivory Coast, making it difficult to achieve the goal of 50% local processing of agricultural products [1] - The state of the cocoa industry is affecting consumers, with chocolate prices in the U.S. expected to rise by 11.6% in 2024, marking a 41% increase since July 2021, prompting manufacturers to explore alternative products or adjust formulations [1] - There is growing concern within the market and cocoa industry regarding climate change, with calls for increased investment in agricultural resilience and traceability to stabilize this critical sector of the food industry in West Africa and globally [1]

Core Viewpoint - The cocoa processing volume in Ivory Coast decreased by 31% in July compared to the same period last year, primarily due to reduced production and lower quality of cocoa beans, leading to insufficient supply for factories [1] Group 1: Cocoa Processing Volume - In July, the industrial cocoa processing volume in Ivory Coast fell to 39,000 tons, a 31% decrease year-on-year [1] - The decline in processing volume is attributed to a reduction in cocoa bean quality and overall production [1] Group 2: Cocoa Supply and Port Data - From April to mid-August this year, the cocoa arrivals at the ports of San Pedro and Abidjan totaled 350,000 tons, representing a 30% decrease compared to the same period in 2024 [1] - Although an increase in harvest is expected in October, the industry faces challenges due to reduced harvests leading to strategic inventory shortages [1]

Core Insights - A new cocoa processing plant has been inaugurated in Divo, Ivory Coast, with an annual processing capacity of 36,000 tons [1] - The plant represents an investment of 32 billion CFA francs (approximately 57 million USD) and is expected to create 1,000 jobs [1] - The facility will produce cocoa derivatives such as butter, cocoa fat, cocoa powder, cocoa blocks, and chocolate [1] - The plant utilizes solar energy for power and employs biomass boilers to use cocoa bean waste, reducing fossil fuel consumption [1] - Ivory Coast is the world's largest producer of cocoa beans, with a crushing capacity of 950,000 tons and an annual output of approximately 750,000 tons of processed cocoa [1]

Core Viewpoint - The Brazilian cocoa processing industry is facing significant export losses due to the U.S. government's new tariff policy, which could result in a loss of at least 180 million Brazilian Reais (approximately 36 million USD) by 2025 [1][2]. Group 1: Export Impact - The U.S. is the second-largest export destination for Brazilian cocoa products, accounting for 18% of the industry's total exports [1]. - In 2024, Brazil's cocoa product exports to the U.S. are projected to reach 72.7 million USD (approximately 363 million Reais), with the first half of 2025 already showing exports of 64.8 million USD (approximately 325 million Reais), representing over a quarter of total exports during that period [1]. Group 2: Tariff Details - Starting from August 6, the U.S. will impose import tariffs of up to 50% on Brazilian cocoa products, following a previous 10% tariff increase in April, which has raised concerns within the Brazilian industry [1]. - The additional 40% tariff is expected to directly impact the stability of the Brazilian cocoa processing industry [1]. Group 3: Industry Challenges - The Brazilian cocoa processing industry supports approximately 200,000 direct or indirect jobs, primarily located in Bahia, Pará, and São Paulo [2]. - The industry is already facing challenges such as reduced production and rising raw material prices, and the new tariffs may exacerbate these issues, potentially leading to significant idle capacity and job losses [2]. - The average idle rate in the Brazilian cocoa processing industry could rise to 23.83%, and considering combined data for 2024, it may reach as high as 37% [1].

Core Insights - Malaysia's cocoa grinding volume for Q2 2025 is projected to be 70,196 tons, representing a year-on-year decline of 22% [1] Industry Summary - The cocoa grinding industry in Malaysia is experiencing a significant downturn, with a notable decrease in volume compared to the previous year [1]

Group 1: Overview of Chinese Investment in Côte d'Ivoire's Agriculture - Chinese enterprises have significantly contributed to the development of Côte d'Ivoire's rubber industry, with a comprehensive contribution rate expected to exceed 50% by the end of this year [2][3] - The arrival of Chinese rubber companies has transformed local agricultural practices, enhancing the value-added of agricultural products and creating numerous job opportunities [3][6] - The establishment of processing plants by Chinese companies has led to increased income for local farmers and has made these facilities attractive employment options for the youth [1][2] Group 2: Rubber Industry Development - Côte d'Ivoire's rubber export volume has surged from 16,000 tons in 1996 to 1.35 million tons in 2024, with China becoming the largest rubber exporter to the country since 2019, maintaining an annual export volume of around 400,000 tons [2][6] - The processing capacity of rubber in Côte d'Ivoire has been enhanced, with a processing plant in San Pedro having an annual capacity of 100,000 tons [2][6] - The transformation from raw rubber export to initial processing has been a key focus, supported by Chinese investment and expertise [3][4] Group 3: Rice Production and Agricultural Modernization - The Gégédou area has become a model for agricultural cooperation between China and Côte d'Ivoire, achieving a rice yield increase from 2.5 tons to 4 tons per hectare under Chinese guidance [4][5] - Over 2,000 local officials and farmers have received training in various agricultural practices, promoting sustainable development in the rice industry [4][5] - The introduction of mechanized farming techniques has been pivotal in enhancing productivity and efficiency in rice cultivation [5][6] Group 4: Cocoa Processing and Market Position - A new cocoa processing plant in Abidjan, built by a Chinese company, is set to enhance Côte d'Ivoire's position in the global cocoa market, which is currently dominated by foreign firms [6][7] - The plant has a processing capacity of 50,000 tons and is complemented by the largest cocoa bean storage center in Africa, which spans 67,000 square meters [6][7] - The cocoa industry is crucial for Côte d'Ivoire, accounting for 40% of the country's total export revenue, and the establishment of local processing capabilities is expected to strengthen its market influence [6][7]

Group 1: Trade and Economic Cooperation - In 2024, China-Africa trade is expected to exceed 295.56 billion USD, marking a 4.8% increase and setting a new historical record, with China maintaining its position as Africa's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years [1] - The "Ten Major Cooperation Actions" initiative is driving deep cooperation across the entire industrial chain between Chinese and African enterprises, contributing to sustainable economic development in Africa [1] Group 2: Agricultural Development and Local Production - A modern cocoa processing plant in Côte d'Ivoire, built by a Chinese company, has a processing capacity of 50,000 tons per year and a storage capacity of 140,000 tons, marking a significant step in the local cocoa industry's upgrade [2] - Chinese agricultural development experience is seen as a vital reference for African countries, with Chinese enterprises not only constructing factories but also providing solutions for industrial chain upgrades [2] Group 3: Talent Development and Training - The development of the industrial chain is heavily reliant on a skilled workforce, with Chinese companies emphasizing vocational education and technical training to cultivate local talent capable of independent production [3] - Over 20,000 textile professionals have been trained by a Chinese company in Madagascar, enhancing local skills and contributing to the textile industry's growth [3][4] Group 4: Market Expansion for African Products - Various platforms and mechanisms are facilitating the entry of African products into global markets, with the establishment of e-commerce platforms like Qili Mall in Kenya, which has become a leading platform in East Africa [5] - Chinese companies are increasingly investing in local production, with a significant portion of components for products being sourced locally, thus enhancing the local economy [5] Group 5: Strategic Initiatives and Trade Policies - China has implemented zero-tariff policies for 100% of products from 33 African countries, promoting trade and economic cooperation [5] - The China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo and other platforms are being utilized to help African enterprises access the Chinese market and connect with global resources [5][6]

Group 1 - The article highlights the collaboration between Chinese enterprises and Côte d'Ivoire in upgrading the cocoa processing industry, marking a significant step for the country known as the "cocoa kingdom" [1][2] - The newly constructed cocoa processing plant in Abidjan, built by a Chinese company, has a processing capacity of 50,000 tons per year and a storage capacity of 140,000 tons, representing a major advancement in local cocoa processing capabilities [1][3] - Côte d'Ivoire is the world's largest cocoa producer, accounting for approximately 40% of global production, with a projected cocoa output of around 2 million tons in 2024, of which over 1.4 million tons will be exported [3] Group 2 - The establishment of the processing plant is expected to create job opportunities for local youth and contribute to the community, with local operators expressing hope for more Chinese investments in the agricultural sector [2] - The Ivorian government aims to achieve 100% local processing of cocoa by 2030, implementing reforms to protect farmers' rights through traceable certification cards [3] - The collaboration is seen as a model for agricultural development in Africa, with Chinese technology and standards being integrated into local practices, enhancing the overall production process [2][3]

Core Insights - The Kribi Industrial Zone has attracted investments totaling approximately 400 billion CFA francs (around 6.66 million USD) since 2018, with 53 companies approved to establish operations there [1][2] Investment Overview - The industrial sectors involved in the investments include cocoa, cement, flour processing, and logistics [1] - The first contract was signed in 2018 with Atlantic Cocoa, which invested over 30 billion CFA francs to build a cocoa processing plant with an annual capacity of 48,000 tons, expandable to 64,000 tons [1] - Two additional factories have commenced operations in the past two years: a cement plant by Cimpor, with an investment of 37 billion CFA francs and an annual production capacity of 1 million tons, and a flour mill by Cadyst Group, with an investment of 13.5 billion CFA francs and an annual production capacity of 100,000 tons [1] Ongoing Projects - Currently, an asphalt production plant and a small refinery with a daily output of 10,000 barrels are under construction, with a total investment of 161 billion CFA francs and an annual asphalt production capacity of 250,000 tons [2] Strategic Importance - Kribi Port is positioned to become a major mineral export hub for Cameroon due to its strategic location and infrastructure [2] - However, the development faces challenges, particularly in electricity supply, with the local thermal power plant generating 176 MW but only providing 13 MW to Kribi, affecting stable energy supply for industrial production [2]