Côte d’Ivoire, the world’s largest cocoa producer, is considering measures that could drive up cocoa prices in response to proposed U.S. tariffs.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abidjan, Agriculture Minister Kobenan Kouassi Adjoumani said the country may raise export taxes on cocoa to offset potential revenue losses, which could make the commodity more expensive for foreign buyers, including those in the United States.
The minister was speaking in the wake of the new tariffs announced by the U.S. government, urging President Trump’s administration to reconsider the decision.
The proposed duties would impose a 21% tariff on Ivorian cocoa – the highest among West African nations – as part of a broader policy targeting imports from dozens of countries.
While President Trump announced a 90-day pause on the tariffs on Wednesday, Adjoumani indicated that Côte d’Ivoire is prepared to respond economically if the tariffs are ultimately implemented.
According to figures from the Coffee and Cocoa Council (CCC), Côte d’Ivoire exports between 200,000 and 300,000 metric tons of cocoa to the U.S. annually.
In addition to potential domestic measures, Adjoumani noted that the country is also seeking to strengthen trade relations with the European Union to recover from any potential losses if the U.S. tariffs take effect.
© WAVN