Ivory Coast, the world's largest cocoa producer, is currently grappling with an unprecedented backlog of close to 200,000 tons of cocoa that remain unsold as of the end of March. This situation has arisen mainly due to a standoff between local regulators and international buyers, leading to a significant slowdown in exports. The country relies heavily on cocoa for its export earnings and sustenance of rural incomes, making the current stockpiling of cocoa beans particularly concerning for many producers and the national economy.

The core of the issue lies in a discrepancy between the guaranteed farmgate price set by the Coffee and Cocoa Council and the prevailing lower prices in international markets. Although authorities upheld producer prices due to a surge in global cocoa prices in early 2023 and 2024, subsequent drops in futures prices in London and New York, spurred by reduced demand and improved supply forecasts, have created an unappealing market for buyers. Concerns over tightening profit margins have led to a cautious approach from traders, citizens, and multinational chocolate manufacturers, creating an atmosphere of hesitance around making purchases.

As a direct consequence of these complications, the pace of cocoa shipments has come to a crawl, with beans accumulating both in warehouses and at export ports. Many trade contracts remain unfulfilled, contributing to further discontent in the cocoa supply chain. This situation calls for immediate attention from the government and agricultural authorities to address market volatility and restore fluidity to the cocoa trade, which is vital for the economic health of Ivory Coast's rural population and broader national interests.