Kochi: Kerala’s famed coir industry is staring at a crisis after the United States slapped a massive 50% tariff on Indian coir products, crippling one of the state’s most iconic export sectors.
The Federation of Indian Coir Exporters Associations (FICEA) has written to Industries and Coir Minister P. Rajeeve, seeking immediate government intervention. Exporters warn that any delay could cause “irreparable damage”, with the sudden tariff hike making Indian coir uncompetitive in its biggest market.
“The steep tariff increase has severely impacted our competitiveness in the U.S. market. The industry cannot afford a standstill situation,” the exporters said, stressing that thousands of livelihoods are at risk in Kerala’s traditional coir belt.
The association has urged the state to push the Union Commerce Ministry for urgent diplomatic and trade negotiations, warning that rival nations could quickly grab India’s market share.
The U.S. has long been one of the largest importers of Kerala coir products, including mats, rugs, and geotextiles. With shipments already slowing and pending orders under threat, the industry fears widespread cancellations.
Beyond exports, the crisis could hit Kerala’s rural economy, as the coir sector sustains lakhs of workers—most of them women.
Government sources say the issue is under review, with discussions at the Union level likely soon.
