As U.S. tariffs on Ivorian exports take effect, cocoa farmers in central Ivory Coast are bracing for economic fallout. With cocoa being the country’s top export and a lifeline for millions, rural communities like N’gattakro are already feeling the impact of what many call a “perfect storm” — international trade tensions, climate change, and market instability.
In the heart of Ivory Coast, the village of N’gattakro thrives on one thing: cocoa. Often referred to as “brown gold,” cocoa is not just a crop here — it’s a way of life. For the nearly 6 million Ivorians who depend on cocoa farming for their livelihoods, the bean has long been a source of pride, prosperity, and sustenance.
But this year, uncertainty is in the air.
A recent decision by the United States government to impose steep tariffs on Ivorian exports has cast a shadow over what was already shaping up to be a difficult cocoa season. The new policy, introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump in early April, includes a 21% tariff on cocoa and other goods, sending shockwaves through the Ivorian farming community.
Farmers left in confusion and concern
“We are worried — the prices are low and the buyers are hesitant,” said Salif Traoré, a cocoa farmer who has spent the past two decades tending to his fields in N’gattakro. “If we hear the American president has put a tax on cocoa, it’s really bad for us. It doesn’t help the farmer, it hurts us.”
Like Traoré, many local farmers are dealing with the double burden of economic uncertainty and erratic weather conditions. Harvests have already been compromised by irregular rainfall and dry spells — both attributed to the growing effects of climate change.
In a modest cocoa stockroom filled to the brim with unsold beans, Boss Diarra, a regional coordinator for a local cocoa farmers’ union, pointed out the immediate consequences. “This warehouse is full. Because of Donald Trump’s customs tax, we’re not selling. Buyers aren’t coming. We are already suffering. If there’s a solution, we desperately need it.”
A national export at risk
Ivory Coast stands as the world’s largest cocoa producer, surpassing neighboring Ghana. Cocoa exports account for 15 to 20 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), making it one of the pillars of the national economy.
It’s no surprise then that the new U.S. trade policy is causing concern in government circles. At a recent press briefing, Amadou Coulibaly, spokesperson for the Ivorian government, acknowledged the gravity of the situation.
“We are affected because approximately 4% of our international trade is with the United States,” Coulibaly stated. “This mainly involves cocoa, rubber, and some cashew exports. While this may seem small, it is significant for our agricultural economy.”
Tariffs paused, but uncertainty remains
President Trump’s April 11 announcement included a temporary 90-day pause on certain tariffs to allow time for negotiations, but the introduction of a blanket 10% tariff on Ivorian goods is set to proceed. Analysts say this will have lasting consequences, especially for cocoa, which makes up the bulk of the country’s U.S.-bound exports.
“We need to urgently explore new markets,” Coulibaly added. “Europe remains an option, but demand is softening. We can’t rely on chocolate consumption alone to drive our economy.”
Global cocoa demand stagnates
Adding to the dilemma is the stagnation of global demand for chocolate. As developed markets shift toward healthier lifestyles and younger consumers favor alternatives, chocolate sales — and by extension, cocoa consumption — have plateaued.
Meanwhile, cocoa prices remain volatile. Last year’s poor harvest, fueled by climate change, caused prices to spike, but not enough to offset the losses suffered by smallholder farmers. The rising cost of inputs and increasing unpredictability of rainfall have further strained already fragile rural livelihoods.
“Climate change is making it impossible to plan,” said Koffi Amani, an agronomist working with local cooperatives. “Some farmers had 30% less yield last season, and now they’re being told the biggest buyer might walk away. It’s devastating.”
Searching for new opportunities
While the outlook appears grim, some agricultural experts believe this crisis could offer an opportunity for Ivory Coast to innovate and diversify its trade relationships. African regional trade, particularly with ECOWAS members, is being touted as a potential buffer against global shocks.
“There’s an urgent need to reduce dependence on traditional markets like the U.S. and Europe,” said Françoise Kouadio, an economist at the University of Abidjan. “Ivory Coast must not only find new buyers but also invest in value-added cocoa processing, which could significantly boost earnings.”
Already, there are signs that some cooperatives are shifting their business models — looking into small-scale chocolate production and regional distribution as an alternative to bulk exports.
Government urged to act
For farmers like Traoré and Diarra, however, government intervention is critical.
“We need a strong policy response,” Diarra said. “Support for storage, price stabilization, and alternative markets must be top priority. Otherwise, we may lose an entire season — and an entire generation of farmers.”
The Ivorian government has said it is monitoring the situation closely, with trade and agriculture ministries exploring diplomatic and economic solutions. But for the farmers of N’gattakro and other cocoa-producing regions, time is running out.
Conclusion
As global trade dynamics shift and climate pressures intensify, Ivory Coast finds itself at a crossroads. The U.S. tariff imposition may be just one of many hurdles facing the cocoa industry, but it underscores the urgent need for resilience, innovation, and strategic partnerships. For millions of Ivorian farmers, the future of “brown gold” may depend not just on global markets — but on local action and swift adaptation.
