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Export earnings from coconut and coconut based products in the first four months of 2004 increased by 44 per cent to Rs. 5,235 million from Rs. 3,640 million outperforming the 6 per cent recorded in the corresponding period in 2003, according to the latest statistics of the Coconut Development Authority.

Exports of kernel products (desiccated coconut, coconut oil, copra, fresh coconut, coconut milk powder and milk) during the period January-April 2004 had increased by 69 per cent to Rs. 2,548 million from Rs. 1,506 million in 2003.

Export earnings from Non Kernal Products (fibre products, fibre- based products, shell products, ekels, vinegar and coconut-based arrack) in the first four months of 2004 increased by 26 per cent to Rs. 2,687 million from Rs. 2,135 million during the same period in 2003.

Export of desiccated coconut shot up in the first four months of 2004 by 196 per cent to 18,842 mt from 6,357 mt compared to the previous year. Average traded prices, however, sank 21 per cent to US $ 765/mt fob from the previous year at US $ 967/mt.

During this period exports were to 59 various countries led by India with 5,597 mt for a market share of 30 per cent dislodging consistent top importer Egypt now the second highest market at 2,660 mt and representing 14 per cent.

The other market leaders were European Union, Africa and Middle East representing a market share of 27 per cent, 16 per cent, 11 per cent.

In the European Union market Germany, France, Portugal, United Kingdom, Spain, Greece and Belgium imported 90 per cent, 4,578 mt in 2004, an increase of 244 per cent over the export of 2003.

In the Middle East market leading exporting countries were Dubai, Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Coconut oil export for the period January - April this year dropped to 13 per cent to 779 mt from 897 mt during the corresponding period, a year ago. 416 mt went to Bangladesh followed by Pakistan - 146 mt, Switzerland - 128 mt, UAE - 80 mt, USA - 8 mt and Canada - 1 mt.

Export of copra during the same period increased by 11 per cent to 4,402 mt from 3,950 mt in the previous year.

97 per cent of copra exports went to the country's major copra market, Pakistan while the balance went to India, Switzerland, Iran, Oman, UK and Jordan.

During January - April 2004, export of fresh nuts and seed nuts increased to 15,388,000 from 8,018,000 nuts of the same period last year, up 92 per cent. Export of milk powder rose by 16 per cent to 1,216 mt a year ago. Export of coconut cream in the same period - 2004, on the other hand, declined by 14 per cent to 383 mt from 443 mt in 2003.

Coconut milk had increased by 6 per cent to 1,020 mt from 961 mt in 2003.Meanwhile, coconut production is projected to rise by 7 per cent to 2,733 million nuts in 2004 due to favourable weather condition which prevailed throughout the year 2003, better farm management technique and higher fertiliser, application by coconut growers.

During the period January - April 2004, Sri Lanka's export of coir products increased to 20,419 mt from 16,599 mt of the same period last year, up 23 per cent. Total export of mattress fibre during the period January - April 2004, was up to 12,549 mt from 8,822 mt over the same period of 2003, up 42 per cent. Mattress fibre mostly exported to the Far East, European Union and Eastern Europe markets which comprises the market share of 53 per cent, 18 per cent and 14 per cent.

Top destinations were China at 5,892 mt (47 per cent market share), Croatia at 1,032 mt (8 per cent), UK at 639 mt, USA at 558 mt, Poland at 552 mt, Germany at 526 mt and Saudi Arabia 452 mt. The remaining 2,898 mt went to 25 countries.

Export of Bristle Fibre increased by 39 per cent to 1,141 mt from 822 mt in 2003. Export of Twisted Fibre during the period January-April 2004, shrank 11 per cent to 5,130 mt from 5,781 mt over the same period of 2003.

Export of coir twine / rope in 2004 amounted to 1,286 mt as increase of 46 per cent compared with 878 mt a year earlier period. Of the total consignment USA 75 per cent at 965 mt, while Japan at 113 mt accounted for 9 per cent.

Export of Coconut Shell Charcoal in 2004 reached 187 per cent to 2,027 mt from 706 mt in 2003. Netherlands was the market leader at 906 mt and was responsible for 44 per cent of total exports. The second biggest outlet was France at 806 mt, 40 per cent.

Japan and India had imported 111 mt and 105 mt securing third and fourth positions.

Exports of coconut shell flour had increased in 2004 by 34 per cent to 422 mt from 314 mt in 2003. The main importer was Germany. Export of Shell Activated Carbon had increased by 4% to 5,216 mt from 5,001 mt in 2003. Bulk of exports went to USA 2,188 mt.

The other leading destinations were South Africa at 815 mt, UK at 343 mt, Australia at 280 mt and Japan at 207 mt. The remaining 27 per cent of 1,383 mt was shared by 26 other countries.

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