Tea exports from Sri Lanka continued their upward trend in July 2025, reaching 24.04 million kilograms, an increase of 2.68 million kilograms compared to 21.36 million kilograms shipped in the same month last year.
All tea categories recorded positive growth compared to July 2024, reflecting sustained global demand for Ceylon Tea.
Despite the volume gains, the Free on Board (FOB) value in Sri Lankan rupees slightly declined to Rs. 1,766.51 million from Rs. 1,773.70 million in July 2024. In U.S. dollar terms, exporters saw a marginal increase of US$ 0.03, highlighting the impact of currency fluctuations.
For the period January–July 2025, cumulative tea exports totaled 150.85 million kilograms, up 10.38 million kilograms from the same period in 2024. While Bulk Tea exports fell short, other segments such as Tea Bags and Instant Tea drove overall volume growth. FOB values in rupees for the first seven months eased to Rs. 1,748.51 million from Rs. 1,771.45 million a year ago, though dollar values showed modest gains across most categories except Tea Packets.
Iraq emerged as the largest importer, with shipments rising 27% year-on-year to 22.61 million kilograms. Libya recorded a remarkable 245% jump to 13.02 million kilograms, overtaking Russia, which saw exports decline 13% to 13.00 million kilograms.
Other key markets included the U.A.E. (10.63 million kilograms, down 24%), Türkiye (10.39 million kilograms, down 2%), and Iran (7.07 million kilograms). Chile, China, Saudi Arabia, and Azerbaijan rounded out the top ten importers during this period.
