Copra and Cocoa exports surge in first quarter of 2025

The Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA) announces robust export performance for coconut and cocoa products in the first quarter of 2025, reflecting renewed momentum in the rural economy. Key highlights include:

• Copra exports: 2,910.77 metric tons at an average price of USD 856 per ton, generating SBD 19.9 million.
• Coconut oil exports: 1,369 metric tons at an average price of USD 1,394 per ton, contributing SBD 16 million.
• Copra meal exports: 650 metric tons, valued at SBD 920,279.

The total value of coconut product exports reached SBD 36.9 million, a significant 61.8% increase from SBD 22.8 million in Q1 2024.

For cocoa, the country exported 714.95 metric tons of dried cocoa beans at an average price of GBP 6,326 per ton, earning SBD 47.8 million. Major export destinations included Malaysia, Indonesia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, with Malaysia being the largest buyer.

This performance represents a remarkable increase in export volume and value, with cocoa exports rising from 188 metric tons (SBD 5.3 million) in Q1 2024 to 714.95 metric tons (SBD 47.8 million) in Q1 2025.

CEMA’s Chief highlights the organization’s commitment to increasing value-added processing, expanding market access, and delivering benefits to rural farmers and producers.

“These results are a clear sign that the Solomon Islands’ agricultural export sector is gaining strength,” he said.

CEMA acknowledges the efforts of local producers, exporters, and stakeholders and remains committed to strengthening the commodity sector through transparency, fair pricing, and market expansion.

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GCU statement