Coconut Oil Prices – Historical Graph
- The average price in the past 3 days is
- The average price in the past 7 days is
- The average price in the past 30 days is
- The average price in the past 365 days is
Popular questions about coconut oil prices:
Coconut Oil Prices Explained
Extreme weather systems brought by El Niño made coconut oil prices spiking. In Asia, persistent demand from food processing, cosmetics, and biofuel sectors keeps its prices elevated. Also, this upward trajectory relates to the escalating production costs as farmers face rising expenses for fertilizers and transportation, particularly in Indonesia.
In North America, coconut oil prices rose due to increased downstream demand, driven by efforts to replenish inventories of the biofuel sector. In Europe, delayed shipment arrivals because of the Red Sea crisis, consistent demand from the downstream sectors, and stockpiling make the supply chain limited.
Why are coconut oil prices fluctuating?
1. Global Demand
Fluctuations in global demand for coconut products, such as coconut oil, coconut water, and desiccated coconut impact its prices. Additionally, changes in consumer preferences, health trends, or increased demand from emerging markets influence the overall demand for coconuts and subsequently affect its costs.
2. Weather
Coconut oil is sourced from coconuts, which are cultivated in tropical areas. Unfavorable weather events like hurricanes, typhoons, droughts, or excessive rainfall affect coconut cultivation, resulting in a reduction in supply and a subsequent rise in its prices.
3. Crop Yield
The productivity of coconut trees and the overall yield of coconuts in a particular year determine the availability of raw materials for coconut oil production. High crop yields result in a surplus of supply and potentially lower prices, while low yields can lead to higher prices.
4. Transportation Costs
The total expense of producing and distributing coconut oil is influenced by transportation costs, fuel costs, and logistical expenses. Thus, fluctuations in fuel prices directly impact the final price of coconut oil.
5. Oil Competitors
The pricing of alternative edible oils and fats like palm oil, soybean oil, and olive oil greatly shapes coconut oil demand and supply. If the prices of competing oils decline, consumers choose those alternatives, impacting the demand for coconut oil and subsequently its price.
Which variables impact the price of coconut oil?
- Supply and Demand
- Weather
- Crop Yield
- Transportation Costs
- Oil Competitors
- Market Speculation and Investment
Where does coconut oil come from?
Coconut oil comes from the meat or kernel of coconuts. The coconut palm tree is often referred to as the “Tree of Life” due to the various benefits it offers to various cultures and communities.
Additionally, it is native and cultivated in tropical regions such as Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Here’s the process of obtaining coconut oil:
1. Harvesting Coconuts – Coconuts are harvested from coconut palm trees once they reach maturity. The husk or hard outer layer of the coconut is removed to expose the brown, hard-shelled coconut.
2. Extracting Coconut Meat – The hard shell is cracked open to extract the coconut meat or kernel. The white, fleshy part of the coconut is the essential component used in its production.
3. Processing the Coconut Meat – The coconut meat undergoes a drying process, typically under the sun or using specialized drying equipment to reduce its moisture content. After drying, it is referred to as copra.
4. Extracting Oil from Copra – After the drying process, the copra undergoes mechanical or chemical processing to extract the oil. Mechanical techniques involve pressing the copra to extract the oil while chemical approaches use solvents to separate the oil from the copra.
5. Refining and Purifying – The extracted coconut oil undergoes refining procedures to eliminate impurities such as undesirable flavors and odors. Additionally, this is done through bleaching, deodorization, or filtration.
6. Packaging and Distribution – After refining and purifying, the finished product is packaged in diverse forms like bottles, jars, or bulk containers.
What are the uses of coconut oil?
Coconut oil is valued for its sustainability, biodegradability, and non-toxic nature, making it an appealing choice for various industrial applications due to its unique properties and versatility.
Moreover, it is completely biodegradable as it naturally breaks down and returns to the environment without leaving harmful residues.
Furthermore, it is non-toxic and safe for both human health and the environment. Some of the industrial uses of coconut oil include the following:
1. Food Processing – Due to its flavor and texture enhancer properties, it is widely used in the food industry for cooking, baking, frying, and as an ingredient in many food products.
2. Cosmetics and Personal Care Products – Coconut oil is a common ingredient in cosmetics, skincare products, hair care products, soaps, lotions, creams, shampoos, conditioners, and other personal care items due to its moisturizing and nourishing properties.
3. Pharmaceuticals – It is used in the pharmaceutical industry to produce medications, supplements, and capsules.
Additionally, it serves as a carrier oil for various active ingredients.
4. Detergents and Soaps – Coconut oil is a key ingredient in the production of soaps, detergents, and other cleaning products as it helps in cleansing.
5. Candles and Wax Products – Due to its ability to solidify at room temperature and its pleasant aroma, it is important in manufacturing candle and wax products.
6. Leather Industry – Coconut oil is used in the leather industry for softening and conditioning leather products.
7. Biodiesel Production – Finally, coconut oil is a potential feedstock for biodiesel production, a renewable and environmentally friendly fuel alternative.
What is the future price of coconut oil?
Coconut oil is a versatile oil mainly used for various purposes such as cooking, baking, cosmetics, medical ointment, dietary supplements, biodiesel, and textile industry production. Additionally, the growing consumer awareness of plant-based diets will likely contribute to the increasing demand and prices of coconut oil.
Its high oil content and sustainable production methods make it a good source of biodiesel. The use of crude coconut oil in biofuel production lessens greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
As a result, the World Bank Commodity Market Outlook foresees a profitable coconut industry in the coming years as sustainability and ecological integrity will be the driving force of its marketability. Also, market analysts predicted that the average price of coconut oil in 2028 may range from $1.5 to $2.5 per kilogram. Also, the global coconut oil market is projected to grow $3.69 billion in 2028 at a CAGR of 7.35%.