India’s coir exports surge 52% to ₹6,614 crore in FY26

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Export earnings were 6,614 crore, with shipments totalling 15,09,531 tonnes during the year

By V Sajeev Kumar

Updated - November 02, 2026 at 01:47 PM. | Kochi

India remains the world’s largest producer and exporter of coir and coir products, accounting for roughly two-thirds of global production, according to industry sources. China is the largest importer, accounting for 27 per cent of India’s total exports, followed by the US (16.45 per cent) and the Netherlands (10 per cent). | Photo Credit: VENKATACHALAPATHY_C/ The Hindu

Despite several challenges facing the industry, India’s export of coir and coir products registered a robust 52 per cent growth in value and 12 per cent in volume in FY26. Export earnings stood at ₹6,614 crore, with shipments totalling 15,09,531 tonnes during the year.

Sajan B. Nair, Secretary General of the Federation of Indian Coir Exporters Association, said tufted mats recorded a growth of 10.40 per cent in volume and 7.50 per cent in value, while coir pith exports increased by 13.50 per cent in volume and 72.30 per cent in value. These products made a significant contribution to the overall export growth.

According to Nair, the outlook for export markets remains positive, with orders for the Christmas and New Year seasons beginning to come in. Although coir yarn prices are rising, raw material availability is largely adequate to meet demand. The domestic market is also witnessing healthy demand for coir products.

Arjun Mahadevan, President of the Coir Shippers Council, attributed the increase in export turnover primarily to the growing contribution of coco peat and other agro-based coir products, alongside the continued performance of traditional products such as coir doormats and floor coverings. The appreciation of the US dollar against the Indian rupee has also contributed to higher export realisations in rupee terms.

However, he stressed the need for the industry to move away from a turnover-driven approach towards a profitability-oriented, innovation-led business model. Priorities should include improving margins, building financial reserves, investing in technology, enhancing product quality and diversifying into new markets.

The government and industry bodies should support this transition through modernisation schemes, technology upgradation and focused research and development initiatives, he said.

Arjun, who is also CEO of Travancore Cocotuft Pvt Ltd, said the future of the coir industry would depend not merely on the volume of exports but on how profitably and sustainably businesses operate.

A significant portion of the industry is debt-funded, and growth without adequate margins and cash generation could leave businesses financially vulnerable, he pointed out. Building financial reserves and strengthening balance sheets are essential to fund future R&D, modernisation and product development.

“We should also prepare for a potential slowdown in consumption across Europe and the US. The industry cannot afford to remain dependent on traditional products and a limited number of export markets,” he added.

India remains the world’s largest producer and exporter of coir and coir products, accounting for roughly two-thirds of global production, according to industry sources. China is the largest importer, accounting for 27 per cent of India’s total exports, followed by the US (16.45 per cent) and the Netherlands (10 per cent). Other major export destinations include Spain, the UK, Peru and South Korea.

Published on November 2, 2026

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