Ivory Coast Weighs Cocoa Farm Gate Price Cut in Coordination With Ghana
Source: Reuters | February 18, 2026
Ivory Coast is considering reducing its guaranteed farm gate cocoa price to align with neighboring Ghana, according to two government sources cited by Reuters. The move comes as the global cocoa market continues to face significant price volatility.
According to the Reuters report, senior Ivorian officials are debating whether to follow Ghana, which recently reduced its farm gate price by 28.6% for the remainder of the 2025/26 season in an effort to align with global market prices.
One of the sources told Reuters that “all options are on the table” as authorities assess how best to respond to the prolonged decline in cocoa prices, which have fallen by nearly 50% in recent months.
Reuters reports that the Ivory Coast-Ghana Cocoa Initiative (ICCG), which represents the two largest cocoa-producing nations accounting for roughly 60% of global output, has been closely coordinating policy discussions since the onset of the market downturn.
A source quoted by Reuters emphasized the urgency of action, stating that changes are underway as authorities focus on safeguarding the long-term survival of the cocoa sector. An inter-ministerial committee has already reviewed the matter, and a decision could be announced soon.
Reuters further noted that exporters and buyers expect Ivory Coast to announce a price adjustment shortly. As one Abidjan-based export executive told Reuters, the question now appears to be not if a cut will occur, but when.
Alex Assanvo, Executive Secretary of the ICCG, told Reuters that both countries are adapting to the sudden market reversal and have implemented measures to limit structural damage. He added that the Living Income Differential (LID), introduced in 2019 to improve farmer earnings, remains relevant despite recent market volatility.
The Coffee and Cocoa Council (CCC) of Ivory Coast and Ghana’s COCOBOD remain in close contact, according to Reuters, and coordination between the two nations is expected to intensify as farmers face increasing financial pressure.
The sharp correction in cocoa prices has forced producing countries to reassess support mechanisms. As reported by Reuters, authorities are working to balance farmer protection with fiscal sustainability amid ongoing market turbulence.
