PCA expects Europe, UAE to absorb more coconut exports

THE Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) is banking on other markets to absorb coconut exports, with shipments to the US expected to slacken in response to the 19% tariff imposed on Philippine goods.

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"There are bigger markets than the US," PCA Administrator Dexter R. Buted said, citing Europe and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of the COCONUT Philippines Trade Fair, Mr. Buted also noted the potential of Japan and China to absorb some Philippine shipments.

Demand in China and Japan, he said, centers on young coconut and coconut water.

In Europe, "there is demand for virgin coconut oil and desicated coconut, which they use for pastries, bread, and chocolates," he added.