Introduction
Coir is one of the oldest traditional industries in India and plays a vital role in the rural economy of major coconut-producing states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa, Odisha, Assam, and the Union Territories of Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Puducherry. India is the largest producer of coir in the world, contributing more than 70% of global coir production. During 2025-26, the country produced 15.10 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of coir, up from 12.65 lakh MT in 2022-23. The value of coir production also increased significantly, reaching Rs. 6,614.40 lakh (US$ 7.19 million) in 2025-26 compared with Rs. 3,992.17 lakh in 2022-23.
The coir industry provides employment to about 5.5 lakh (0.55 million) people in the country, with a significant proportion being women, making it an important source of livelihood in rural areas.
Share of segmental exports of coir products FY25 (in terms of value)
Source: Coir Board of India
In 2026-27 (up to the reported period), coir production stood at 1.40 lakh MT, with a production value of Rs. 676.93 lakh (US$ 0.74 million). India manufactures a wide range of coir products including coir fibre, yarn, mats, mattings, rugs, geo-textiles, coir pith, and other diversified eco-friendly products. In terms of export composition, coir pith accounts for the largest share at 59.63%, followed by tufted mats at 16.73% and coir fibre at 12.06%, reflecting the strong global demand for sustainable and biodegradable coir-based products. Other notable categories include handloom mats (6.75%) and coir geo-textiles (2.18%), while remaining products such as yarn, rugs, ropes, and rubberised coir contribute smaller shares to the overall export basket.
Export Trends
India’s coir and coir manufacturers export trend (US$ million)
Source: Ministry of Commerce
India’s exports of coir and coir-based products have shown a strong upward trend, driven by increasing global demand for sustainable and eco-friendly materials. The export basket includes coir pith, fibre, mats, mattings, geo-textiles, and other value-added products, widely used across horticulture, construction, and home furnishing applications. The sector continues to benefit from rising environmental awareness and the global shift towards natural fibre alternatives.
During FY26, exports of coir and coir manufactures reached US$ 757.4 million, reflecting strong international demand across major markets. This sharp increase reflects strong recovery in global demand and improved export performance across key product categories.
The export momentum has been supported by rising demand from major markets such as China, the USA, and Europe, reinforcing India’s position as a leading global supplier of coir-based products.
Export Destinations
India exports coir and coir-based products to a wide range of global markets, reflecting strong international demand for sustainable and eco-friendly materials. Key export destinations include China, the USA, the Netherlands, Peru, Spain, South Korea, the UK, Italy, and Australia, among others. During FY26, total exports of coir and coir manufactures stood at US$ 757 million, underlining strong demand from both developed and emerging economies.The export portfolio includes coir pith, fibre, mats, mattings, and geo-textiles, catering to diverse applications such as horticulture, erosion control, and home furnishing.
During FY26 (April 2025–March 2026), China emerged as the largest importer of Indian coir products, accounting for US$ 165.96 million (26.79%) of total exports. The USA was the second-largest market with imports worth US$ 101.93 million (16.45%), followed by the Netherlands at US$ 61.95 million (10.00%).
Country-wise share of coir and coir manufacturer exports from India (FY26)
Source: Coir Board of India
Other key destinations included Peru with US$ 48.38 million (7.81%), Spain with US$ 43.98 million (7.10%), and South Korea with US$ 36.58 million (5.90%). Significant demand was also recorded from the UK (US$ 26.94 million), Australia (US$ 20.43 million), Italy (US$ 19.98 million) and the UAE (US$ 15.54 million). Collectively, these markets accounted for a substantial share of India's coir exports, demonstrating the sector's strong presence across Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania.
Government Initiatives
India’s coir sector is witnessing positive momentum on both the export and policy fronts. Coir exports are set to gain significantly from improved global trade conditions, particularly after the United States reduced import tariffs on Indian products. Earlier high duties had impacted demand, but the revised tariff structure has enhanced the price competitiveness of Indian coir in global markets, especially in the US one of its key export destinations. This is expected to revive export volumes, strengthen India’s position in global value chains, and support employment in this traditional, labor-intensive sector.
On the domestic front, government-led initiatives are further strengthening the industry. In Tamil Nadu, the launch of the state’s first government-aided coir firm in Pollachi set up with an investment of about Rs. 9 crore (US$ 0.97 million) under the Micro Cluster Development Programme aims to boost value-added production, exports, and local employment. The facility will provide common infrastructure, warehousing, and support to around 200 coir units, while generating employment for nearly 1,500 people. Such initiatives are enhancing productivity, promoting cluster-based development, and encouraging the shift towards high-value coir products like geo-textiles and mats, thereby reinforcing India’s coir export potential.
For developing the coir industry in India, the Coir Board has launched schemes such as the Coir Vikas Yojana (Coir Development Scheme), Coir Industry Technology Upgradation Scheme, Skill Upgradation and Mahila Coir Yojana. The Export Market Promotion Scheme and Domestic Market Promotion Scheme focuses on improving exports and domestic sales of coir and coir products.
Coir Industry Technology Upgradation Scheme (CITUS)
The main objective of CITUS is to assist entrepreneurs in the upgradation and procurement of eligible plants and machinery. This way, the Coir Board aims to improve the productivity and quantity of coir products. Some of the other objectives of this scheme are to establish state-of-the-art processing units, enhance the utilization of raw materials, create employment opportunities, and attract newer entrepreneurs in the coir industry.
A Scheme for Promotion of Innovation, Rural Industries and Entrepreneurship (ASPIRE)
The ASPIRE scheme aims to establish a network of technology centres and startup incubation centres in the rural parts of India. For the development and promotion of the coir industry, the Ministry of MSME and the Coir Board established the Livelihood Business Incubation (LBI) models for the coir industry.
Scheme of Fund for Rejuvenation of Traditional Industries (SFURTI)
Launched in 2005 by the Ministry of MSME, the SFURTI scheme aims to make the traditional industries in India more competitive, market-driven, productive, profitable, and capable of generating employment, especially in the rural parts of India.
Governing Body
Coir Board of India
The Coir Board is a statutory body established in 1953 under the Coir Industry Act, functioning under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India. It is responsible for the overall promotion and development of the coir (coconut fibre) industry, including production support, export promotion of coir yarn and products, and the improvement of marketing systems. The Board undertakes and encourages scientific, technological, and economic research, while also collecting and maintaining industry statistics. Additionally, it provides registration, training, business guidance, and market support to stakeholders, and advises the Government of India on industry growth. Headquartered in Kerala, the Coir Board operates through multiple establishments, including a wide network of marketing outlets across the country, with the aim of enhancing product quality, improving livelihoods of coir workers, and strengthening India’s global position in the coir market.
RELATED SITES
"Coir House", M.G. Road,
Kochi 682 016
Kerala
India
Tel.:+91-484-2351807
Fax: +91-484-2370034
Email: coirboard@nic.in
Website: http://coirboard.gov.in
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