Global coir markets experienced a significant upward adjustment in 2025, driven by stronger demand and firmer price realization across major producing countries. FOB prices of coir fibre from Sri Lanka and Indonesia rose sharply compared with the relatively stable environment observed in 2024. During 2024, Sri Lanka’s prices fluctuated within a narrow range of USD 56–73 per metric ton, averaging in the mid-60s, while Indonesia’s prices remained steady at USD 110 per metric ton until mid-year before increasing to USD 140 from September onward. This gradual firming toward the end of 2024 indicated tightening supply conditions and improving regional demand, particularly for Indonesian origin fibre.

In 2025, however, the market entered a pronounced bullish cycle. Sri Lanka’s FOB prices climbed from USD 67 in January to a peak of USD 124 in October, remaining above USD 120 through December—nearly double early 2024 levels. Indonesia recorded an even stronger upward trajectory, rising from USD 145 in January 2025 to USD 220 per metric ton during October–December. Although Indonesian prices eased slightly to USD 170 in early 2026, they remained well above 2024 averages, confirming that the 2025 surge represented a structural market realignment rather than a temporary spike. The sustained price strength throughout 2025 reflects robust global demand, particularly for horticultural applications, combined with possible constraints in raw material supply.

Against this backdrop of elevated prices, Sri Lanka’s coir product exports showed a value-driven but structurally shifting performance. Total export earnings increased by 21.7% year-on-year to USD 284.03 million in 2025, despite widespread declines in export volumes of traditional fibre-based products. Mattress fibre, bristle fibre, and twisted fibre recorded volume contractions of 22%, 21%, and 24%, respectively, accompanied by reductions in export value. These trends suggest subdued demand for raw and semi-processed fibre products amid evolving global market preferences.

At the same time, price gains offset volume declines in several categories. Coir twine and rope exports fell by 39% in volume but recorded an 18.3% increase in value, indicating improved unit prices and a possible shift toward higher-specification products. Floor covering segments demonstrated notable divergence: exports of coir mats and rugs and coir mattings declined significantly in volume yet achieved substantial increases in export value, suggesting stronger pricing power and improved product positioning in niche markets.

The most prominent growth driver for Sri Lanka in 2025 was moulded coir products for horticulture. Export volumes expanded by 19%, while export value rose by 28.6% to USD 238.70 million, reinforcing this segment’s dominant contribution to total earnings. This strong performance underscores sustained international demand for environmentally sustainable growing media solutions. Meanwhile, coir fibre pith/dust and geo-textiles recorded only modest volume declines and relatively stable export values, indicating resilient demand in horticulture and erosion control applications.

However, not all segments benefited from the favorable pricing environment. Rubberized coir pads and mattresses for bedding experienced a sharp 52% contraction in volume, although export value edged up slightly, suggesting improved price realization. Husk chips posted a remarkable 170% surge in export volume but saw export earnings fall by 55%, reflecting substantial price compression likely due to oversupply or intensified competition. Overall, Sri Lanka’s 2025 export structure indicates a continued shift from bulk fibre exports toward higher-value horticultural and specialized applications.

India’s coir sector demonstrated even stronger export expansion in 2025, highlighting the broader global trend toward horticultural inputs. Total export earnings rose sharply from USD 358.42 million in 2024 to USD 612.53 million in 2025. The principal driver was coir pith, whose export volume increased from 732,840.7 MT to 954,116.8 MT, while export value nearly doubled from USD 262.19 million to USD 486.92 million. This exceptional growth reflects sustained global demand for coco peat and related growing media products, particularly in commercial horticulture and hydroponics.

Fibre categories in India also recorded growth in both volume and value, supported by stronger international prices. However, certain traditional segments showed mixed performance. Curled/machine twisted fibre, non-baled yarn, and cordage/ropes experienced declines in both volume and value, suggesting softer demand or competitive pressures. In contrast, selected value-added products such as coir fenders and baled yarn posted moderate gains. Woven coir matting (powerloom) exports increased in volume and value, whereas coir carpets and rugs recorded slight contractions. Overall, India’s export structure in 2025 clearly tilted toward high-volume, high-value horticultural inputs, consolidating its leading position in global coir pith trade.

Indonesia’s coir export performance in 2025, while smaller in scale, reflected strong regional concentration. Total exports reached 32,850 MT valued at USD 6.70 million, with shipments heavily directed toward East Asian markets. China accounted for approximately 73% of total export volume and 68% of export value, followed by the Republic of Korea with around one-fifth of total shipments. Japan and Malaysia absorbed comparatively modest volumes, while other destinations represented niche markets with relatively higher unit values.

This geographic concentration underscores Indonesia’s reliance on regional demand, particularly for bulk coir materials used in horticulture and industrial applications. While the current structure benefits from strong East Asian demand, further diversification of export destinations could enhance resilience and support improved value realization over the medium term. In summary, 2025 marked a year of structural strengthening in the global coir market. Elevated fibre prices, expanding horticultural demand, and growing emphasis on sustainable growing media reshaped export performance across major producing countries. While traditional fibre and rope segments faced pressure, higher-value horticultural products—especially coir pith and moulded growing media—emerged as the primary engines of growth.