Coconut coir exporters’ concerns discussed at EDB special meeting

The Export Development Board (EDB) recently held a special consultation with key stakeholders from Sri Lanka’s coconut fibre export industry to address mounting challenges, particularly a shortage of raw materials that is disrupting production and increasing costs for manufacturers and exporters.

Despite these pressures, Sri Lanka’s coconut coir and fibre-based export sector performed strongly in 2025, generating around USD 294 million in export earnings—an increase of 22.5% compared to the previous year. The growth highlights the sector’s resilience and its continued importance to the country’s foreign exchange inflows, even amid tightening supply conditions.

However, the persistent shortage of coconut fibre is placing significant strain on the industry. Limited raw material availability has driven up production costs, while exporters are increasingly struggling to fulfil delivery commitments in international markets.

In response, the EDB brought together senior government officials and industry representatives from across the coconut value chain to identify both immediate relief measures and longer-term strategies to stabilise and strengthen the sector.

Discussions covered potential supply-side interventions to improve raw material availability, measures to streamline and regulate the fibre supply chain, and policy support mechanisms to help exporters maintain global market commitments. Participants worked towards formulating practical recommendations for both short-term action and long-term reform.

The EDB reiterated its commitment to working closely with stakeholders to create a more enabling environment for the coconut fibre export industry. As the national agency responsible for export promotion and development, it said it would continue to play a coordinating role in addressing structural and operational challenges affecting the sector.

The meeting was chaired by EDB Chairman and CEO Mangala Wijesinghe, with participation from senior officials including representatives of the Coconut Cultivation Board (CCB), Export Agriculture division of the EDB, National Plant Quarantine Services (NPQS), Coconut Development Authority (CDA), and Coconut Research Institute (CRI), along with industry associations and export organisations.