The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) expects coconut export revenues to exceed 2025 levels despite El Niño risks.
‘We’re still positive that we’ll still be able to surpass our 2025 exports… hopefully, it’s still higher than what we had last year,’ PCA Head Executive Assistant Joseph Cezar Deligero said.
The Philippines exported $3.6 billion worth of coconut products in 2025, up 35.2 percent from $2.7 billion a year earlier, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
Coconut oil exports rose 30.1 percent to $2.89 billion, accounting for more than 80 percent of total coconut export revenues.
Deligero did not provide an export growth estimate but said El Niño could affect production and shipments.
‘With the coming El Nino this 2026, this might have an effect on our productivity; thus, impacting also our exports. We are hoping, we’re still very positive,’ he said.
The PCA has yet to release a 2026 production forecast but identified El Niño and the coconut scale insect (CSI), or cocolisap, as key industry risks.
‘With the threat of the super El Nino, we’re anticipating that our pest infestations will increase,’ Deligero said.
To mitigate El Niño’s impact, the PCA aims to complete its study of 10 heat-resistant coconut varieties this year and distribute planting materials to farmers.
‘We’ve been distributing planting materials already in the different areas of the country. Farmers have already started planting, although planting was delayed this year because supposedly, rains should have started in May. But the rainy season began sometime in July,’ Deligero said.
The PCA is also conducting field assessments nationwide to identify vulnerable areas and curb CSI infestations, while coordinating with 15 agencies to address industry concerns.