Cocoa smuggling from Ivory Coast to Guinea has surged, with an estimated 50,000 metric tons of cocoa illegally transported between October and December 2024. This illegal trade is valued at approximately $573 million, according to exporters.
The rise in cocoa prices last year has provided an additional incentive for smugglers. Smuggled Ivorian cocoa is sold for 5,000 CFA francs ($7.95) per kilogram, significantly higher than the fixed price of 1,800 CFA francs per kilogram set by the government.
Once in Guinea, the smuggled cocoa is exported to Asian countries, including Indonesia and Malaysia. This growing trend has raised concerns among exporters, who fear it could disrupt their contracts.
“Corruption is fueling the rise in cocoa smuggling,” said a director of a European export company in Abidjan. “Our suppliers are increasingly turning to smuggling, as it’s far more lucrative.”
In December alone, approximately 8,500 tons of cocoa crossed the border into Guinea. The illegal trade continues to grow as global cocoa prices hit a record $12,931 per metric ton in New York, driven by poor harvests in major producers like Ivory Coast and Ghana.
In response, the Ivorian government has announced stricter measures to combat cocoa smuggling, including the forfeiture of proceeds, passport withdrawals, and driving license suspensions. The Coffee and Cocoa Council (CCC) is also exploring further ways to curb the illegal trade.
The continued smuggling poses a significant challenge to Ivory Coast’s cocoa industry, threatening its ability to meet international demand.
