Forecast : Ivorian cocoa exports could resume within weeks

LONDON, April 7, 2011 - Cocoa exports from Ivory Coast will take a couple of weeks to resume once incumbent leader Laurent Gbagbo steps down and the security in the world's top producer stabilises, shippers say.

Fighting in Ivory Coast's capital Abidjan has intensified in recent days as forces loyal to presidential claimant Alassane Ouattara tried to unseat Gbagbo and the conflict appeared close to a conclusion on Thursday.

"It will take a few weeks, depending on staffing, logistics (for shipments to commence)," said Didier Willemse, head of commodity sales at Belgian shipping company Safmarine.

ANALYSIS-Investment key as Indonesia eyes greater US cocoa exports

JAKARTA, April 7, 2011 - Indonesia's cocoa industry is looking to grab a bigger slice of the U.S. market due to unrest in top producer Ivory Coast, but needs a review of an export tax, as well as more investment to boost quality and output.

Often regarded as a cheap source of low-grade cocoa, Indonesia has embarked on a series of programmes to improve quality, but faces serious obstacles including disease and a switch to alternative crops like palm oil.

Indonesia signalled its intention in talks with the United States on Tuesday, with the world's number three producer saying it aims to increase exports to the lucrative U.S. market by 10 to 15 percent. 

Cocoa News : Ivory Coast cocoa export ban to end in days-UN envoy

NEW YORK, April 7, 2011 - Ivory Coast's presidential claimant Alassane Ouattara is expected to announce within days the end of a ban on exports of cocoa, of which the country is the world's leading producer, his U.N. envoy said on Thursday.

The country's cocoa sector is close to a return to normalcy after turmoil created by a post-election conflict between Ouattara and incumbent leader Laurent Gbagbo, envoy Youssoufou Bamba told a news conference.

"Mr. Ouattara, the president, will ... formally make an announcement (about lifting the ban) in the coming days," he said at the Ivory Coast's U.N. mission in Manhattan.

NY Coffee market close review for today, April 7, 2011

NEW YORK/LONDON, April 7, 2011 - Arabica coffee prices surged to close up 3 percent in heavy volume on Thursday as funds added positions and a lack of origin selling provided little resistance.

Arabica coffee moved toward a 34-year high of $2.9665 a lb hit on March 9, and tight supplies continued to underpin the market.

"Whoever was short decided to get out and I think it's encouraged a little bit of new buying today," said Rodrigo Costa, vice president of institutional sales for Newedge USA.

NY Cocoa market close review for today, April 7, 2011

NEW YORK/LONDON, April 7, 2011 -Cocoa futures finished slightly lower as the conflict in top growerIvory Coast intensified, with United Nations peacekeepers surrounding the defenders of the nation's incumbent leader Laurent Gbagbo.  

Cocoa futures were little changed as the U.N. sent forces into the neighborhood where Gbagbo was believed to be holed up in his heavily defended compound, but did not plan to intervene.

"The market is just not willing to do much until the situation in the Ivory Coast clears out," one cocoa dealer said.