Why in News?
India’s coconut product exports increased by 62% in 2025–26, reaching ₹7,038.25 crore, compared with ₹4,349.03 crore in the previous year. The growth has been driven by rising global demand and the increasing export of value-added coconut products. The figures were highlighted ahead of World Coconut Day, observed on 2 September.
Key Highlights
- India’s coconut product exports reached ₹7,038.25 crore (about US$794.7 million) in FY 2025–26.
- Exports grew by 62% year-on-year, up from ₹4,349.03 crore in FY 2024–25.
- Activated carbon was the largest export product, contributing around ₹4,688.89 crore, or nearly 67% of coconut product exports excluding coir.
- Activated carbon is widely used in:
- Gold mining
- Water and air purification
- Removal of certain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)
- Energy storage and capacitors
- Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals
Long-Term Growth
- India’s coconut exports have expanded significantly over the past two decades. In 2001–02, coconut product exports were worth only around ₹25.3 crore. At that time, exports were mainly limited to traditional products such as coconut, coconut oil, desiccated coconut and coconut shell charcoal.
- The shift towards processed and value-added products has helped India expand its presence in global markets.
Significance
The rise in exports highlights the growing importance of the coconut sector in India’s agricultural exports. Greater diversification into value-added products can help increase farmers’ incomes, create processing opportunities and strengthen India’s position in the global coconut market.