India’s exports of coir and coir products registered a robust performance in FY26, recording a 52% increase in value and 12% growth in volume despite several challenges confronting the industry. Export earnings reached ₹6,614 crore, while total shipments stood at 15,09,531 tonnes during the financial year.
Sajan B. Nair, Secretary General of the Federation of Indian Coir Exporters Association, said key product categories, including tufted mats and coir pith, contributed significantly to the growth. Tufted mat exports increased by 10.40% in volume and 7.50% in value, while coir pith exports registered growth of 13.50% in volume and 72.30% in value.
He said the outlook for export markets remained encouraging, with orders for the Christmas and New Year seasons beginning to come in. Although coir yarn prices are on the rise, 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 largely to the growing contribution of coco peat and other agro-based coir products, alongside the sustained performance of traditional products such as coir doormats and floor coverings. The appreciation of the US dollar against the Indian rupee has also supported higher export realisations in rupee terms.
However, Mahadevan stressed that the industry must move beyond a turnover-driven approach and adopt a profitability-oriented, innovation-led business model. Improving margins, building financial reserves, investing in technology, enhancing product quality and diversifying export markets should become key priorities.
He called for coordinated support from the government and industry bodies through modernisation schemes, technology upgradation programmes and focused research and development initiatives.
Mahadevan, who is also CEO of Travancore Cocotuft Pvt Ltd, said the long-term sustainability of the coir industry would depend not merely on export volumes but on the ability of businesses to operate profitably and sustainably.
Pointing out that a significant portion of the industry is debt-funded, he cautioned that expansion without adequate margins and healthy cash generation could expose businesses to financial vulnerabilities. Strengthening balance sheets and building financial reserves are essential to support future investments in 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 approximately two-thirds of global production, according to industry sources.
China is India’s largest export destination, accounting for 27% of total coir exports, followed by the US with 16.45% and the Netherlands with 10%. Other important markets include Spain, the UK, Peru and South Korea.
While the strong export performance in FY26 underscores the growing global demand for Indian coir products, industry leaders believe that sustaining this momentum will require greater emphasis on value addition, product innovation, financial resilience and market diversification.