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Introduction
In 2025, the price of coconut shell activated carbon has increased significantly, affecting water treatment plants, beverage manufacturers, air purification companies, gold recovery operations, and countless industrial users worldwide. Many buyers wonder: Why is coconut shell activated carbon becoming so expensive?
Below is a clear explanation of the key factors driving the price surge.
Raw Coconut Shell Supply Shortage
Coconut shell is the primary raw material for high‑quality activated carbon. In the past year, several major producing regions—including Indonesia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and India—experienced:
- Climate changes (El Niño, irregular rainfall)
- Reduced coconut harvest
- Lower shell yield per fruit
- Higher competition from other coconut‑based industries (charcoal, biomass pellets, coconut oil)
With raw shell supply tightening, shell prices have jumped sharply, directly pushing up activated carbon production costs.
Rising Production Costs
Producing coconut shell activated carbon requires carbonization + activation, both of which consume large amounts of energy. In 2025, factories face:
- Higher electricity and natural gas prices
- Increased labor and packaging costs
- Higher transportation and container fees
- Stricter environmental policies in producing countries
As a result, manufacturers’ operating costs have increased across the board, contributing to higher market prices.
Increasing Global Demand
Even as supply tightens, demand for coconut shell activated carbon continues to grow in key industries:
- Traitement de l'eau potable (PFAS removal, VOC removal)
- Air purification and VOC adsorption
- Food & beverage decolourisation
- Gold recovery (CIP/CIL)
- Medical & pharmaceutical purification
Because coconut shell carbon has high hardness, low ash, and microporous structure, many industries prefer it over wood‑based or coal‑based carbons—leading to persistent demand growth.
Environmental Compliance and Export Policies
Several producing countries implemented stricter environmental rules for carbonization and activation processes. Many small factories failed to meet requirements and shut down, reducing overall supply.
Additionally, changes in:
- Export taxes
- Import duties
- Carbon emission regulations
It have indirectly raised production and logistics costs.
Strong Competition From the Gold Mining Industry
Gold prices remain high, and gold mining companies worldwide continue expanding their CIP/CIL operations. Coconut shell activated carbon is crucial for gold adsorption because of its high hardness and excellent attrition resistance.
As mining companies increase purchase volume, the market becomes more competitive, pushing prices upward.
Currency Fluctuations & Freight Rates
Most coconut shell activated carbon is exported from Asia. Exchange rate fluctuations, combined with rising shipping rates, have added instability to international pricing.
Conclusion: Coconut Shell Activated Carbon Prices Will Remain Strong
Given the combination of:
- Tighter raw material supply
- Higher production and energy costs
- Strong global demand
- Environmental and policy pressures
The price of coconut shell activated carbon is likely to remain elevated in the near future. Buyers should plan production and procurement cycles accordingly.
If you need stable supply, long‑term contracts, or price‑locked shipments, Zhulin Activated Carbon can provide reliable solutions and high‑quality coconut shell activated carbon for all industries.
Need updated pricing or samples? Contact Zhulin Activated Carbon — your trusted global supplier.