India’s Coconut Trade Is Moving Beyond the Traditional Market
Coconut is no longer just a domestic agricultural commodity for India. Its products are finding buyers across the Middle East, North America, Europe and Asia, while exporters are increasingly moving toward higher-value products.
The latest numbers show how significant this shift has become.
A Stronger Export Story for Coconut Products
India’s coconut product exports reached ₹7,038.35 crore (US$794.70 million) in FY2025-26, representing a 62% increase over the previous year. The government also reported that India produced around 20.30 billion coconuts in 2024-25, maintaining its position as the world's largest coconut producer. Press Information Bureau
This export basket includes much more than whole coconuts. Coconut oil, activated carbon, dried coconut, desiccated coconut and other processed products are helping Indian businesses reach different international industries.
Source: Government of India – Coconut Sector & Exports
Where Are Indian Coconuts Going?
For fresh or dried coconuts (HS 080110), India exported approximately US$83.91 million in 2024, equivalent to around 118.65 million kg.
The UAE was the largest destination at about US$23.47 million, followed by the United States, United Kingdom, Nepal and Bangladesh. Other markets included Qatar, Canada, Spain, Saudi Arabia and Oman. World Integrated Trade Solution
| Major Market | 2024 Export Value |
|---|---|
| UAE | US$23.47M |
| United States | US$16.98M |
| United Kingdom | US$6.53M |
| Nepal | US$5.25M |
| Bangladesh | US$3.01M |
Source: World Bank WITS – India Coconut Exports
The Bigger Opportunity: Value-Added Coconut Products
One of the most interesting developments is the expansion beyond raw coconuts.
Products such as activated carbon, coconut oil, dried coconut and desiccated coconut open access to different buyer industries and markets. The Coconut Development Board has also highlighted growing export opportunities for value-added coconut products and India's expanding export footprint. Coconut Board
This means exporters don't have to compete only on the volume of fresh coconuts. Processing and product diversification can create opportunities in food, personal care, water treatment and other industries.
What Should Coconut Exporters Research?
Before entering a new market, exporters should ask:
- Which coconut product is actually in demand?
- Which countries are importing that product?
- Who are the active buyers?
- Which suppliers are already serving the market?
- What HS code applies to the product?
- Is demand growing or declining?
For example, fresh coconut and activated carbon can have completely different buyer profiles, competition and destination markets.
India's official TradeStat system provides country- and commodity-level export information, with records available through 2025-26 and updated in 2026. TradeStat
Source: Government of India – TradeStat
Turning Coconut Demand into Export Opportunities
India already has a strong production base and an expanding export basket. The next challenge for businesses is finding the right product-market combination.
With Welexo, exporters can research international markets, analyse HS-code activity, identify buyers and sellers, study competitors and evaluate trade opportunities before approaching a new market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HS code for coconut?
Fresh or dried coconuts are commonly classified under HS 0801/080110, while different processed coconut products have their own classifications.
Which countries buy coconuts from India?
Major destinations for India's fresh or dried coconut exports include the UAE, United States, United Kingdom, Nepal and Bangladesh.
Is India a major coconut producer?
Yes. India ranked first globally in coconut production, producing approximately 20.30 billion nuts in 2024-25.
What coconut products can India export?
Indian businesses export fresh and dried coconuts, coconut oil, activated carbon, desiccated coconut, copra and several other coconut-based products.
India has the production. The bigger opportunity is finding the markets that need it.
Research the right markets, buyers and trade opportunities with Welexo.
