Coconut and Copra Prices Soften Amidst Weak Demand and Export Disruptions

01-May-2026 12:34 PM

Kochi: A prevailing atmosphere of softness characterizes the prices of coconut and copra, driven by increased production, subdued domestic demand, and disruptions to exports caused by the crisis in West Asia.

Pressure has also begun to mount on the prices of coconut oil. Notably, just a few months ago, prices had surged rapidly to reach a new record high; however, the market is now trending downwards.

The President of the Cochin Oil Merchants Association (COMA) states that in July 2025, the price of coconut oil in Kerala had peaked at ₹393 per liter, while copra reached a high of ₹259 per kilogram. In contrast, prices have now declined to ₹266 per liter for coconut oil and ₹153 per kilogram for copra. During this same period, the price of whole coconuts also dropped by approximately ₹36 per kilogram.

Demand has weakened at both the corporate level and within local markets. Exporters are facing difficulties in shipping coconuts to countries in the Gulf region. With the onset of monsoon rains, the supply of coconut and copra is expected to decrease, which may lead to some price recovery.

In the interim, however, the market is likely to remain soft. In light of the declining prices, stockists in Tamil Nadu have accelerated the sale of their inventory, thereby contributing to a softening trend in prices within that region as well. Furthermore, indications suggest a robust increase in coconut and copra production in Kerala this season, which is exerting a psychological impact on the market.