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Strong upswing in activated carbon exports in FY2021-22

Posted Date : 13-06-2022

 India's coconut and product exports exceeded the Rs.3,000- crore mark in the 2021-22 fiscal - up 40% - riding on increased shipments of activated carbon. The export figure in 2020-21 was Rs.2,295 -crore.

About 60% of the total exports constituted activated carbon, with the US continuing to be the leading destination with Rs.400-crore, followed by Germany, Russia, Korea, Netherlands, Belgium, Canada and South Africa. India is reported to have exported 1.25-lakh tonnes of activated carbon till February.

The surge in gold prices and the opening up of gold mines worldwide has facilitated a booming business for activated carbon, which is used for gold extraction and purification. It is also used to purify air and water due to its high absorption potential for a wide variety of molecules ranging from odorous compounds to carcinogenic impurities.

The global market for activated carbon is forecast to touch $4.50-bn in 2028 at a CAGR of 5.4%, with the market returning to the pre-pandemic levels. Activated carbon from India is getting more acceptance in the global markets than the products of other coconut-producing countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia and Sri Lanka.

Besides, the surging business of activated carbon has helped coconut farmers to earn revenue from coconut shells. Earlier, these coconut shells were used for fuel or as a throwaway product for farmers. Its usage in making activated carbon is now helping growers fetch attractive prices, which is between Rs. 12,000 and Rs. 14,000 for a tonne.