Sri Lanka tea exports decline in first half of 2026 amid lower volumes

Sri Lanka’s tea exports totalled 21.25 million kilogrammes (M/Kgs) in June 2026, recording a decline of 2.02 M/Kgs compared to 23.27 M/Kgs exported during the same month in 2025.

All tea categories except Bulk Tea recorded negative variances compared to June 2025. The FOB value in June 2026 was recorded at Rs. 1,871.14 per kilogramme, increasing by Rs. 157.06 year-on-year from Rs. 1,714.08 recorded in June 2025.

In rupee terms, all categories except Instant Tea recorded increases compared to the corresponding period last year. However, in US dollar terms, all categories recorded declines year-on-year except Tea Bags, which reported an increase.

Cumulative tea exports from January to June 2026 stood at 123.10 M/Kgs, a decline of 3.71 M/Kgs compared to 126.81 M/Kgs recorded during the same period in 2025. All segments except Instant Tea recorded negative variances during the period.

Meanwhile Türkiye emerged as the largest importer of Ceylon Tea during the period, importing 19.71 M/Kgs, a 149% year-on-year increase compared to 7.90 M/Kgs in June 2025. Iraq, which ranked second, recorded a 28% decline with imports of 13.42 M/Kgs compared to 18.71 M/Kgs in 2025.

Russia ranked third with 11.60 M/Kgs, recording a marginal 3% increase from 11.20 M/Kgs in June 2025. Azerbaijan ranked fourth with imports of 6.55 M/Kgs, an increase of 72% year-on-year, followed by China with 4.89 M/Kgs, a 4% decline.

Libya, which recorded imports of 4.57 M/Kgs, saw a 60% decline year-on-year, while Jordan and Saudi Arabia ranked seventh and eighth with imports of 4.33 M/Kgs and 4.13 M/Kgs, respectively.