Coir mattings market plunge

Market shares of coir mattings plunge

 

Kochi, Mar 30 In a distressing trend for the coir sector, traditional coir products like rugs, carpets, and matting are seen losing export market shares, sources at the Coir Board told FE.

 

The products have seen market shares plunge in both volume and value by almost 40-50% on a year-to-year basis for the past few years.

 

In February 2008, exports of rugs and carpets fell by 87% in volume and 85% in value when compared to February 2007.

 

Mattings have seen volumes and value plunge by 62% and 58%, when compared to February 2007. Coir Board officials are also confounded by the sharp drop in preference of the traditional items and are strategising on the concern.

 

The drop in market shares are not evident because the total exports have seen volumes rise on the background of increased export of coir fibre and ropes.

 

But the incremental increase in value for these items are seen lower because of nil value addition, sources said.

 

"Export of raw material instead of value-added products is a grave concern. We should address the issue immediately to reduce distress in the future due to competition in manufacturing," CM Unnikrishnan of the Coir Board told FE.

 

Interestingly, coir fibre exports to China have grown by more than 600% in just one year. Coir Board sources also confide that the nation has picked up the basics of manufacturing coir mats and may end up as a cheaper competitor to India. Competition from finer products made from sisal and jute may be a reason for the declining market preference, Unnikrishnan said.

 

Coir fibres are hard and sturdy when compared to other competing materials like jute, cotton, and even wool. Products made from such materials are light and flexible, he added.

 

The board is trying to introduce smoother and lighter products made from a blend of coir and sisal yarns to increase exports of traditional items, he said.