Tea exports show modest growth in January

Sri Lanka’s tea exports for January 2025 amounted to 19.37 million kilograms, reflecting a growth of 0.61 million kilograms compared to the same period in 2024 when exports totalled 18.76 million kilograms. 

The increase was mainly driven by strong performances in the Tea Packets, Tea Bags, and Instant Tea categories, while exports of Tea in Bulk and Green Tea experienced a decline. On the value front, the Free On Board (FOB) price recorded for January 2025 was Rs. 1,722.78 per kilogram, down by Rs. 26.14 compared to Rs. 1,748.92 in January 2024. In US$ terms, however, the month saw a slight increase, with the FOB price rising by US$ 0.38 year-on-year.

Iraq maintained its lead as the top importer of Ceylon Tea, with imports reaching 3.02 million kilograms, a 21 percent increase from 2.50 million kilograms in January 2024. Russia, in second place, saw a slight decline of 11 percent, importing 1.77 million kilograms compared to 1.98 million kilograms in the previous year.

Libya has emerged as a strong player in the Ceylon Tea market, climbing to third place with a staggering 406 percent YoY increase, totalling 1.68 million kilograms in January 2025. Other notable importers include the U.A.E. (1.27 million kilograms, a 36 percent decrease YoY), Türkiye (1.08 million kilograms, a 37 percent decrease YoY), and Chile (0.78 million kilograms, a 24 percent increase YoY).

Saudi Arabia, in seventh place with 0.89 million kilograms, edged ahead of China, which recorded 0.80 million kilograms, marking a 5 percent YoY increase. These shifts in key markets underline the evolving dynamics of global tea trade and Sri Lanka’s position in meeting changing international demand.

Source: Daily Mirror