In Cote d'Ivoire, the world's largest cocoa producer, farmers face an unprecedented crisis as climate challenges and potential U.S. tariffs threaten their livelihoods. Cocoa, often called 'brown gold,' supports nearly six million people in the West African nation but now hangs in precarious balance.
Years of erratic rainfall and crop diseases like swollen shoot virus have already reduced yields, pushing many small-scale farmers into debt. Local cooperatives report a 30% drop in production over three years, with no immediate solutions in sight.
The situation worsened this week as news emerged of proposed 21% U.S. tariffs on Ivorian cocoa products – the highest rate among regional exporters. President Trump's plan targets what he calls 'unfair trade imbalances,' but farmers argue it jeopardizes their sole income source. 'We barely break even now,' said one grower anonymously. 'This tax could erase generations of work.'
Analysts warn the tariffs could disrupt global cocoa supplies, potentially raising chocolate prices worldwide. Cote d'Ivoire supplies 45% of global cocoa beans, with 15% exported to the U.S. markets.
As international trade groups debate responses, the eyes of agricultural communities and commodities traders remain fixed on Abidjan and Washington, awaiting decisions that could reshape one of Africa's most vital industries.
