GSA, CMC Secure Competitive Freight Rates For 2026/27 Cocoa Season
The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) and the Cocoa Marketing Company (CMC) have secured competitive freight rates for the shipment of Ghana’s cocoa to international markets ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The rates were agreed after negotiations with 18 carriers and shipping lines on September 17, 2026, at the Marc Van Peel Event Hall in Antwerp, Belgium.
Under the deal, shipments to the United Kingdom will attract £32.00 per tonne, the North Continent €58.42, Estonia €66.77, and Mediterranean Europe €65.58, all with a 35% Bunker Adjustment Factor.
For the Far East, the rate is US$112.80 per tonne; for Japan, US$119.14; and for Brazil, US$130.54, inclusive of BAF.
The negotiations come amid global cocoa price volatility, and IMF calls for reforms put pressure on Ghana’s cocoa marketing and financing arrangements, making control of logistics costs critical.
Beyond rates, the parties maintained operational responsibilities under the new FCL/FCL shipment terms. Shipping lines will provide dressing materials, position empty containers and bear lift-on/lift-off costs, while CMC will handle dressing, stuffing, delivery and fogging.
All freight will be paid in US Dollars with exchange rates referenced to Reuters on the Bill of Lading date, and carriers are to release non-negotiable Bills of Lading within 24 hours of sailing.
CMC also committed to keeping lift-on/lift-off charges uniform and freezing desiccant prices for the season.
The GSA said the framework provides predictability and protects shipper interests as Ghana moves to sustain the competitiveness of its cocoa exports.
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