Sri Lanka’s coconut exports increase by 38% in the first half of 2021
During the first six months of the year 2021, Sri Lanka has reportedly earned US$ 387 million from coconuts and coconut related product exports during the first six months of this year.
Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Coconut Development Authority (CDA) Assistant Director for Marketing Development and Research Wasula Herath has said that by June (within the period from January to June 2021), Sri Lanka had earned Rs. 76 billion.
Adding on the coconut export countries Herath has said, “We (Sri Lanka) export these coconuts and coconut based products for around 100 countries of almost every continent.” Elaborating further, she has said the aforesaid products are exported to countries such as the US, European Union (EU) countries like Germany, the rest of the Europe countries, the Australian continent, and Middle East countries.
“Almost every export product goes to the US, but when it comes to fresh coconuts, most of the export production goes to Pakistan. Also, products such as coconut milk, coconut milk powder, coconut cream, and coconut related fibre products are commonly exported to said countries,” the Assistant Director has said, explaining that Sri Lanka not only exports fresh coconuts but also that a number of coconut and fibre based products that have been manufactured in Sri Lanka reach the world market, ultimately bringing export earnings to the country.
In comparison to export earnings during the same period last year, Herath has reportedly said that export earnings from coconut and related products have increased notably.
She has noted that by the month of June last year, these product export earnings had remained at Rs. 52 billion. In terms of US dollars, the exchange rate has been escalated, and during the said time period, the amount of earnings is at a higher position which is US$ 280 million. Therefore, it is an increase of 38%, Herath further said.
According to the CDA, apart from fresh nuts, Sri Lanka exports coconut kernel products, fiber products, and coconut shell products under coconut based products as well. When it comes to kernel products, Sri Lanka exports coconut oil, virgin coconut oil, desiccated coconut, copra, king coconut, coconut poonac, oil cake, coconut cream, coconut milk, coconut milk powder, defatted coconut, coconut water, coconut based arrack, vinegar, coconut fatty acid, coconut butter, and coconut flour.
Moreover, mattress fibre, bristle fibre, and twisted fibre are among the exported fibre products. The shell products that exports are coconut shell charcoal, coconut shell pieces, coconut shell flour as well as coconut shell activated carbon etc.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s coconut exports have shown a growth momentum despite challenges posed by the global Covid 19 pandemic. The government of Sri Lanka is also engaged in several programmes to further develop and promote the coconut industry. Sri Lanka’s exports sector is boosted further by the many trade agreements as well as trade concessions enjoyed by the country. Foreign businesses/investors could therefore explore the growing opportunities in Sri Lanka’s coconut industry.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20210727/Z_8 |