Tea export earnings continue to rise

Wednesday, 22 October 2025 00:23 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka Customs data analysed by Siyaka Research confirms that the country earned $ 1.16 billion from tea exports for the period January to September 2025. Almost 10% more than last year’s figure of $ 1.06 billion for the comparable period.

Sri Lanka exported a healthy 23.7 million kilogrammes (Mnkg) in the month of September this year, up 20% on last year’s quantity of 19.7 Mnkg and boosted the cumulative total for the calendar year which has now risen to 198.3 Mnkg, up 9% on last year’s nine-month total of 182.3 Mnkg.

Based on total USD earnings of $ 1.16 billion, this converts to an approximate FOB value to $ 5.86 per kg compared with $ 5.81 in 2024 and $ 5.47 in 2023.

Improved performance on value Addition which has risen to 58% of the total compared with 54% the year before has made a positive contribution.

Tea in Packets are up 21% YoY with Instant Tea exports rising 25%. Shipments of Tea Bags have grown 6% YoY and account for 10% of tea exported from Sri Lanka.

Exports to Iraq have risen 24%YoY to 30 Mnkg. Russia follows with quantities of 16.6 Mnkg down 10% on last year’s volume of 18.4 Mnkg.

Exports to Libya have recorded a massive increase of 154% from 6.2 Mnkg to 15.9 Mnkg. Turkey follows with a quantity of 15.2 Mnkg up 14% on last year.

The UAE a major transit point, has recorded a quantity of 14.2 Mnkg down 18% on last year.