Ghana concludes cocoa freight negotiations for 2026/27 season

The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) and the Cocoa Marketing Company (CMC) have successfully concluded freight negotiations with 18 international carriers and shipping lines for the shipment of Ghana’s cocoa during the 2026/27 season.

The discussion, held at the Marc Van Peel Event Hall in Antwerp, Belgium, established agreed freight rates and operational arrangements for exports to Europe, the Far East and South America.

The negotiations took into account global shipping market developments and the need to maintain competitive rates as Ghana enters a new cocoa season.

According to them, the outcome provides a predictable framework for moving one of the country’s most important export commodities at a time when fluctuations in global cocoa prices are exerting pressure on Ghana’s marketing and financing arrangements.

Under the agreed rates, shipments to the United Kingdom will attract £32.00 per tonne, with a Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF) of 35 per cent. The rate for the North Continent is €58.42 per tonne, while Estonia will attract €66.77 per tonne. Mediterranean Europe will see €65.58 per tonne, also with a 35 per cent BAF. For the Far East, the rate stands at US$112.80 per tonne, Japan at US$119.14 per tonne, and Brazil at US$130.54 per tonne. Rates for the Far East, Japan and Brazil are inclusive of the BAF.

Beyond freight charges, the negotiations confirmed operational responsibilities following the shift from Less than Container Load/Full Container Load (LCL/FCL) to Full Container Load/Full Container Load (FCL/FCL).

“Shipping lines will continue to provide dressing materials, position empty containers at stuffing areas, and bear lift-on/lift-off costs. CMC will remain responsible for container dressing, stuffing, delivery to terminals, and fogging of containers,” they noted.

They stated that shipping lines will quote all-inclusive freight rates covering obligations, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority shore handling, Receipt and Delivery charges, and incidental loading costs. Payments will be made in US dollars, with currency conversions sourced from Reuters at the Bill of Lading date.

“To ensure smooth documentation, carriers have been urged to release non-negotiable Bills of Lading to CMC within 24 hours of vessel sailing,” they added.

CMC has also pledged to maintain uniform lift-on/lift-off charges and prevent increases in the prices of desiccants and related materials during the season.

The GSA noted that its participation ensures shipper interests are represented in discussions that directly affect costs and operational conditions in the cocoa trade. With the freight rates now concluded, attention shifts to implementation as Ghana seeks to safeguard the competitiveness of its cocoa exports amid broader fiscal and market pressures.