Sri Lanka’s tea exports declined in July 2026, with shipments falling to 20.41 million kilogrammes, down 3.63 million kilogrammes from 24.04 million kilogrammes recorded in the corresponding month of 2025.

Instant Tea was the only category to record a positive variance compared with July last year, while all other categories recorded declines.

Despite the drop in export volume, the average FOB value increased to Rs. 1,921.95 per kilogramme in July 2026, up Rs. 155.44 from Rs. 1,766.51 recorded in July 2025.

In US dollar terms, however, all tea categories except Green Tea recorded declines compared with the corresponding period last year.

ürkiye emerged as the largest importer of Ceylon Tea in July 2026, recording 24.76 million kilogrammes, a 138% increase compared with 10.40 million kilogrammes in July 2025.

Iraq ranked second with 14.42 million kilogrammes, although its imports declined 36% year-on-year from 22.61 million kilogrammes recorded in July 2025.

Russia remained in third place with 13.35 million kilogrammes, up 2.6% from 13.00 million kilogrammes a year earlier.

Azerbaijan ranked fourth, importing 7.14 million kilogrammes, an increase of 49% year-on-year, while China was fifth with 5.59 million kilogrammes, down 8%.

Libya ranked sixth with 5.41 million kilogrammes, recording a 58% decline, followed by Jordan in seventh place with 5.22 million kilogrammes.

Chile moved up to eighth place with 4.97 million kilogrammes, while Saudi Arabia and Syria ranked ninth and tenth with 4.77 million kilogrammes and 4.70 million kilogrammes, respectively.