Tea output dips 14.5% in March amid dry weather

Wednesday, 22 April 2026 00:26 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka’s tea production fell sharply in March, hit by prolonged dry and hot weather conditions, according to data analysed by Asia Siyaka Commodities PLC.

Output declined to 20.8 million kilograms (Mn/Kgs), down from 24.4 Mn/Kgs registered in March last year, a drop of 3.5 Mn/Kgs or 14.5% year-on-year (YoY).

While production in 2024 was lower at 19.6 Mn/Kgs, the latest figure still ranks among the weakest on record, exceeded only by the unusually low 13.5 Mn/Kgs seen during the COVID-19 lockdown period.

It added that all elevation categories reported declines compared to a year earlier. High Grown and Mid Grown teas were the hardest hit, registering drops of 17% and 22%, respectively.

On a cumulative basis, first-quarter production also weakened. Total output fell to 59.6 Mn/Kgs from 61.7 Mn/Kgs in the corresponding period of 2025. The most notable declines were recorded in the Low Grown and Mid Grown segments, which contracted by 3% and 8%, respectively.

The data highlighted the vulnerability of Sri Lanka’s tea sector to adverse weather conditions, particularly during key harvesting periods.