Group 1 - Indonesia is negotiating with the United States for a waiver on a 19% tariff on palm oil, cocoa, and nickel [1]

Group 1 - The 15th Chocolate, Cocoa, and Coffee Exhibition in Ecuador showcased over 60 local brands, highlighting the positive impact of the China-Ecuador Free Trade Agreement on cocoa exports to China [1] - Ecuadorian companies are eager to expand their presence in the Chinese market, which is seen as a significant opportunity for promoting Ecuadorian cocoa products and enhancing brand recognition [1] - The Ecuadorian government is actively promoting industrial upgrades and expanding cocoa cultivation to ensure production quality and sustainability, aiming to position the cocoa industry as a showcase for Ecuador's commitment to sustainable development [1] Group 2 - In the first quarter of this year, Ecuador's cocoa and related products exports totaled $1.333 billion, marking a 161% year-on-year increase, making it the second-largest non-oil export product for the country [2]

Core Viewpoint - The Nigerian government is taking significant steps to revitalize its cocoa industry by establishing a new regulatory body, the National Cocoa Management Board (NCMB), after nearly 40 years of deregulation, aiming to restore cocoa as a vital export commodity [1][2]. Group 1: Regulatory Developments - The Federal Executive Council approved a draft bill to establish the NCMB, which will oversee the entire cocoa industry, marking a crucial step towards revitalization [1]. - The initiative to create a new regulatory body began in August 2022 with the formation of the National Cocoa Management Committee, tasked with developing strategies to restore cocoa's status as a key export [2]. Group 2: Industry Challenges - Key issues hindering the cocoa industry's development include weak pest and disease control systems, aging plantations, an imbalanced age structure among workers, insufficient funding, and a lack of unified industry standards [2]. - The cocoa industry in Nigeria has been marginalized since the 1970s when oil became the economic backbone, leading to a decline in cocoa production [2]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - Cocoa prices have surged approximately 400% over the past three years, with futures contracts reaching historical highs of over $12,000 per ton, driven by strong international demand and the depreciation of the Nigerian naira [2]. - Nigeria's cocoa export value is projected to increase significantly, with estimates of over 7-fold growth to 2.7 trillion naira (approximately $1.7 billion) during the 2023-2024 period [2]. Group 4: Production Outlook - Despite being the fifth-largest cocoa producer globally, Nigeria has historically lagged behind leading producers like Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, missing market opportunities due to limited industry scale [3]. - The cocoa production for the 2023-2024 season is expected to exceed 300,000 tons, with improved climate conditions anticipated to yield even greater harvests [3]. Group 5: Future Prospects - The establishment of the NCMB is seen as a means to enhance competitiveness with major cocoa-producing countries like Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire [4]. - A new generation of farmers is increasingly investing in modern plantations and adopting early-maturing cocoa varieties, indicating a shift towards industry transformation [4]. Group 6: Government Focus - The Nigerian government is shifting its focus towards cocoa as a potential driver for future export revenues, especially in light of declining oil production and prices [5].

Core Points - The U.S. has announced tariffs on all trade partners, significantly impacting Côte d'Ivoire, the world's largest cocoa exporter, which produces over 2 million tons of cocoa annually, accounting for nearly 45% of global production [1][2] - Côte d'Ivoire exports between 200,000 to 300,000 tons of cocoa to the U.S. each year, and the new tariffs have caused widespread anxiety among various sectors of Ivorian society [1] - The Ivorian government is considering raising cocoa prices for U.S. exports in response to the tariffs, which could ultimately affect U.S. consumers [2] Economic Impact - Côte d'Ivoire's economy has experienced an average growth rate of around 8% from 2012 to 2019, with projected growth rates of 6.5% and 6.1% for 2023 and 2024, respectively, and an expected average growth of 7% from 2025 to 2027 [2] - The country ranks second in intra-African trade and first in the West African region, indicating its significant role in the regional economy [2] Industry Concerns - The high tariffs may eliminate the price advantage of Ivorian cocoa beans in the U.S. market, leading multinational buyers to shift orders to other countries [2] - Economic experts criticize the U.S. tariffs as an abuse of national security claims in the agricultural sector and as exceeding World Trade Organization standards, potentially undermining development opportunities for Southern countries [2]