Introduction – Sri Lanka’s Charcoal Market by the Numbers
When it comes to high-quality coconut shell charcoal and activated carbon, Sri Lanka is punching above its weight on the global stage. Thanks to its lush coconut plantations and strategic investments in processing technologies, this island nation has carved out a strong position in the export market.
In 2024 alone, Sri Lanka exported a whopping 58,381 metric tons of activated carbon, marking a 13.3% year-on-year growth. The export value reached USD 151.21 million, with December setting a monthly record of 5,285 MT shipped and earnings of USD 14.34 million (Coconut Community).
As for wood charcoal, Sri Lanka exported around 11.16 million kilograms in 2023, raking in USD 5.68 million. The key buyers? China, the Netherlands, South Korea, India, and Japan (World Bank WITS).
What sets Sri Lanka apart is not just its volume but its commitment to sustainability and innovation. For instance, Haycarb PLC recently invested Rs. 20.6 million to promote green charcoaling practices. And with coconut shell charcoal prices jumping from USD 522/MT in December 2024 to USD 860/MT by July 2025, the market is clearly heating up (Coconut Community).
In this dynamic landscape, selecting the right supplier isn’t just about price—it’s about data. Platforms like Freshdi are making this easier by offering real-time RFQ trends, supplier verification, and export performance analytics, giving businesses the competitive edge they need.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Current Demand Data
Let’s break it down.
Sri Lanka’s export strength lies primarily in coconut shell-based products, especially activated carbon, which is used in everything from air purification to gold recovery. The 9.2% CAGR in export growth from 2018 to 2022 is a testament to the country’s rising global demand.
Major export markets include:
- China – USD 2.16 million in wood charcoal
- Netherlands – USD 1.76 million
- South Korea – USD 613,860
- India – USD 493,790
- Japan – USD 252,150
On Freshdi, RFQ (Request for Quotation) data from buyers worldwide aligns with these numbers. There’s been a noticeable uptick in RFQ submissions for coconut shell charcoal and activated carbon, especially from European and East Asian markets. This suggests that demand is not only real but growing.
For importers, this is a golden opportunity. If you’re sourcing charcoal from Sri Lanka, tapping into Freshdi’s RFQ analytics can help you time your purchases, avoid supply chain bottlenecks, and negotiate better deals.
Top 9 Verified Charcoal Suppliers in Sri Lanka – Top Tier Based on Export Data
We’ve scouted the top performers based on export records, market reach, Freshdi user feedback, and certifications. These suppliers are trusted, verified, and ready to do business globally.
Here are the Top 9 Charcoal Suppliers in Sri Lanka in September 2025:
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G.H.S. Cinnamon Industries
Known for both bulk and retail-ready charcoal, this supplier has built a reputation for timely exports and consistent quality. -
F N F Exports
A favorite among European buyers, they specialize in eco-friendly coconut shell charcoal. -
N.S. Enterprises
Their activated carbon is in high demand for industrial filtration and purification. -
G H S Cinnamon Industry
Not to be confused with the above, this sister company also delivers premium charcoal products. -
S.S Exporters
A seasoned exporter with a strong presence in South Asia and the Middle East. -
Gamage Stores & Exporters
Known for competitive pricing and robust packaging. -
DK Resources Lanka International
One of the few suppliers investing in sustainable sourcing and green energy. -
K Perera
Specializes in high-carbon content charcoal for BBQ and industrial use. -
Charlybiz Lanka
A rising star with growing demand from Japan and Australia.
Dynamic Ranking Note: Keep in mind, supplier rankings may change monthly based on export volumes, buyer reviews, and RFQ fulfillment rates. Platforms like Freshdi often publish “Suppliers of the Month/Quarter”, so stay updated for the latest performers.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Pricing Analysis & Export Dynamics
So, what’s trending?
Let’s talk variants first. There’s a clear shift toward coconut shell charcoal due to its higher carbon content, longer burning time, and lower ash residue. This makes it ideal for hookah/shisha, BBQ, and even industrial applications like air purification.
Activated carbon, the processed form of coconut shell charcoal, is seeing steady demand in the water treatment and gold mining sectors.
Now, let’s dig into prices.
Between December 2024 and July 2025, prices jumped from USD 522/MT to USD 860/MT, driven by:
- Reduced coconut production
- Raw material shortages
- Rising freight and processing costs
These seasonal fluctuations are normal but can be tricky to navigate. That’s where Freshdi’s market insights come in handy. Their pricing analytics help buyers anticipate price hikes, forecast procurement budgets, and optimize purchasing schedules.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Strategic Sourcing
Sri Lanka has clearly established itself as a top-tier exporter of charcoal and activated carbon. With export volumes rising, prices climbing, and sustainability becoming a norm, the market is both dynamic and rewarding.
But here’s the catch: navigating this market without data is like sailing without a compass.
That’s why platforms like Freshdi are game-changers. They give you access to:
- Verified supplier profiles
- Real-time RFQ trends
- Export performance comparisons
- Dynamic pricing dashboards
Whether you’re a small importer or managing a global supply chain, sourcing charcoal from Sri Lanka in 2025 is about data-driven decisions. Identify top-performing suppliers, track seasonal trends, and make purchases that align with your budget and business goals.
Key Takeaways
- Sri Lanka is a global leader in coconut shell charcoal and activated carbon exports.
- Export volumes and values are steadily increasing, especially to Asia and Europe.
- Prices have surged due to raw material shortages, making timing a key factor.
- Top 9 suppliers identified are verified and active exporters with international reach.
- Using Freshdi, buyers can gain a competitive edge with data-backed sourcing decisions.
Checklist for Buyers: Strategic Charcoal Sourcing from Sri Lanka
✅ Identify your charcoal type (BBQ, shisha, activated carbon)
✅ Compare supplier export volumes on Freshdi
✅ Monitor seasonal pricing trends
✅ Request samples and certifications
✅ Lock in prices with contracts during low-demand months
✅ Use Freshdi’s RFQ tool to reach multiple verified suppliers
✅ Stay updated on “Top Supplier” rankings for the latest insights
Future Outlook – What’s Next for Sri Lanka’s Charcoal Exports?
Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, Sri Lanka is expected to:
- Expand its sustainable sourcing methods
- Push towards value-added activated carbon products
- Strengthen trade ties, especially with the U.S. and EU
- Introduce automated processing technologies for better efficiency
If you’re planning to source charcoal in the near future, this is the time to lock in relationships with proven suppliers and leverage real-time market data.
How Freshdi Empowers Buyers
Freshdi isn’t just another B2B platform—it’s your sourcing command center.
With Freshdi, you can:
- Verify supplier credentials
- Compare production capacities
- Access market trends and RFQ volumes
- Track pricing shifts and seasonal demand
- View supplier performance rankings
For smart sourcing in 2025, Freshdi is your data-driven partner.
References
- Coconut Community Market Review – April 2025
- World Bank – Sri Lanka Charcoal Export Data 2023
- Coconut Community Market Review – April 2024
- Coconut Community Market Review – August 2025
- Haycarb PLC Annual Report 2024-2025
- Reuters – Sri Lanka Trade Commitment 2025
FAQs
1. What makes Sri Lankan charcoal unique compared to other countries?
Sri Lanka primarily exports coconut shell-based charcoal, which offers higher carbon content and longer burn times than hardwood varieties. Plus, many producers are shifting to eco-friendly production.
2. Are the top 9 suppliers verified and trustworthy for international buyers?
Yes, all listed suppliers are Freshdi-verified, with proven export records, certifications, and positive buyer feedback.
3. How do I choose between BBQ charcoal and activated carbon?
It depends on your use. For grilling or shisha, go with BBQ charcoal. For industrial uses like filtration, opt for activated carbon.
4. Can I negotiate pricing and bulk deals with Sri Lankan suppliers?
Absolutely. Most suppliers are open to bulk pricing negotiations, especially if you connect via platforms like Freshdi that streamline communication and RFQs.
5. Is now a good time to source charcoal from Sri Lanka?
Yes, especially if you use data insights from Freshdi to time your purchases and avoid seasonal price spikes.
