The coconut fiber industry is a major export-oriented sector in Sri Lanka and continues to make a significant contribution to the country’s export earnings.
However, the industry is currently facing a shortage of coconut fiber, which has adversely impacted the export sector. Manufacturers and exporters are increasingly challenged in meeting delivery deadlines in international markets. In addition, the shortage has resulted in a substantial increase in production costs.
Despite these challenges, the total export value of coir and fiber-based products increased to approximately USD 294 million in 2025, reflecting a remarkable growth of 22.5% compared to the previous year.
In response to the challenges, the Export Development Board (EDB) convened a meeting yesterday (11th June 2026) with key stakeholders in the coconut industry, including the Coconut Development Authority (CDA), Coconut Cultivation Board (CCB), Coconut Research Institute (CRI), Sri Lanka Coir & Allied Products Manufacturers Association, Exporter Association of Coconut-Based Substrates, Ceylon Coir Fiber Manufacturers Association, National Plant Quarantine Service (NPQS), and the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka to discuss the issues faced by the fiber exporters.
Accordingly, the meeting focused on discussing the challenges faced by coir exporters and identifying both short-term and long-term measures to address and mitigate the issues affecting the industry.
