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The Philippines shipped two container loads of young coconut to Liberia, a humanitarian initiative that could open a new international market for the country’s top farm exports
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Avante Agri-Products exported 32,000 pieces of whole green young coconuts to Monrovia with a combined free-on-board value of US$22,400
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The shipment was facilitated through Liberia’s Ministry of Agriculture, with CMA CGM providing shipping services using its Smart Reefer Container technology
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The Philippine Department of Agriculture said the initiative offers a potential opening for Philippine coconut products in West Africa
The Philippines recently shipped two container loads of young coconut to Liberia, a humanitarian initiative that could open a new international market for the country’s top farm exports, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Avante Agri-Products exported 32,000 pieces of whole green young coconuts to Monrovia in two 40-foot refrigerated containers, carrying an estimated 50 metric tons of produce with a combined free-on-board value of US$22,400, DA said in a statement.
Each container holds 16,000 coconuts packed in 800 sacks, with 20 pieces per sack. The shipment is being facilitated through Liberia’s Ministry of Agriculture, with CMA CGM providing shipping services using its Smart Reefer Container technology to help maintain the produce’s quality during transit.
The coconuts are intended for donation to rural communities in Liberia to support feeding programs and provide household benefits, giving the shipment a humanitarian dimension beyond its commercial value.
DA said the initiative offers a potential opening for Philippine coconut products in West Africa, supporting the government’s broader push to diversify export destinations, strengthen agricultural trade and improve farmers’ access to higher-value markets.
READ: DTI steps up support for high-value coconut products as exports surge 34%
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized the importance of market access and private-sector partnerships in making agriculture more competitive and improving farmers’ livelihoods.
“Expanding into new international markets creates opportunities for our coconut farmers and exporters,” said Tiu Laurel. “The challenge is to turn these initial shipments into sustained demand that delivers better returns to our farmers and strengthens the Philippine coconut industry.”
The shipment was supported by the DA Regional Field Office XI, particularly its Agricultural Marketing Assistance Division, and the Philippine Coconut Authority Region XI, highlighting the role of government agencies in connecting agricultural producers and exporters to emerging markets.
DA said the opportunity for coconut farmers is whether new export channels can generate repeat orders, strengthen demand, and translate into better farm-gate prices.
It noted though that higher export volumes alone will not guarantee higher incomes. Shipping costs, product quality, supply consistency and the share of export revenues reaching farmers will determine the actual benefits.
DA said Avante’s Liberia shipment therefore represents both a milestone and an opportunity to build on. Sustained trade, reliable logistics and stronger links with coconut-producing communities could help transform an initial consignment into a lasting export channel.
