Sri Lanka’s tea exports remained steady in August 2025, with volumes reaching 23.70 million kilogrammes, marking an increase of 1.61 million kilogrammes compared to the same month last year, according to official figures.
Growth was observed across most categories, except for green tea, which recorded a slight decline. The average FOB price rose to Rs.1,805.35 per kilogramme, up Rs.28.69 year-on-year, while the dollar value saw a modest increase of US $0.08.
For the first eight months of 2025, cumulative exports totaled 174.55 million kilogrammes, a 12 million kilogramme rise over the same period in 2024. Although most categories showed positive growth, bulk tea shipments lagged behind. The average FOB value for the period was Rs.1,756.23 per kilogramme, slightly lower than Rs.1,772.16 in 2024, but dollar returns edged up by US $0.09. Bulk and packeted teas saw slight declines in rupee terms, while tea bags, instant tea, and green tea posted gains. In dollar terms, all categories except packeted tea recorded increases.
Iraq remained the largest buyer, importing 26 million kilogrammes between January and August, up 23 percent from last year. Russia followed with 14.77 million kilogrammes, down 11 percent year-on-year. Libya rebounded sharply, securing third place with 14.39 million kilogrammes, a 198 percent increase. The United Arab Emirates fell to fourth, with a 20 percent decline to 12.72 million kilogrammes.
Turkey recorded a 2 percent increase to 12.49 million kilogrammes, while Iran rose 6 percent to 8.31 million kilogrammes, surpassing Chile’s 7.71 million kilogrammes. China, Azerbaijan, and Saudi Arabia completed the list of the top ten importers.
