Côte d'Ivoire's Conseil Hévéa-Palmier à huile-Coco (CHPC) and major rubber industry players met in Abidjan on October 8, 2026, to discuss challenges in implementing a new supply mechanism. The meeting, five months after the new decision took effect, aimed to assess its impact, identify constraints, and consider adjustments. The CHPC's director-general, Edmond Coulibaly, stated that discussions would also focus on regulating weighbridges and contractual export values.
The meeting revealed that several operators have been practicing prime rates above 100 FCFA per kilogram, significantly increasing supply costs and creating competition difficulties among processors. Representatives of the Société caoutchouc de Côte d'Ivoire (SCC) and other companies reported an increase in weighbridges, disrupting supply. The director-general of SCC, Desmeot Pascal, noted that the proliferation of weighbridges had contributed to supply disorganization.
Industry stakeholders have expressed mixed views on the new mechanism. Charles-Emmanuel Yacé, president of the Association des producteurs de caoutchouc naturel de Côte d'Ivoire (APROMAC), welcomed the CHPC's decision but called for all actors to adhere to it. He suggested that some adjustments might be necessary due to implementation challenges.
Producers also emphasized the need for stability in the sector. Jules Dally, president of the Fédération des organisations professionnelles agricoles des producteurs (FPH-CI), advocated for adherence to the agreed-upon prime structure. The director-general of CHPC, Edmond Coulibaly, noted that the majority of operators' non-compliance with the May decision justified revisiting some aspects.
The discussions also highlighted concerns about the long-term viability of companies and the sector. Coulibaly stressed that opportunistic strategies driven by rising prices should not compromise sustainability. The meeting concluded with an agreement to hold periodic discussions to monitor market developments and adjust supply mechanisms as needed.
The CHPC plans to ensure that these meetings become a regular occurrence to assess the effectiveness of the current supply mechanism and make adjustments. This approach aims to balance the interests of various stakeholders in the rubber sector. Côte d'Ivoire is a significant player in the global rubber market, ranking as the first African and third global producer of natural rubber.
According to CHPC data, Côte d'Ivoire produced 1,686,601 tonnes of natural rubber in 2024 from 1,100,000 hectares of plantations. The sector's performance has implications for the country's economy and the global rubber market. The periodic meetings will help address emerging challenges and ensure the sector's continued growth and stability.
Key points
- The CHPC is considering adjustments to the rubber supply mechanism due to implementation challenges.
- Industry stakeholders have reported difficulties, including a surge in weighbridges and prime rates.
- The sector aims to balance competing interests and ensure long-term sustainability.
