Sri Lanka’s tea exports recorded a strong start to 2026, with volumes and values posting year-on-year gains in January, according to the latest industry data.
Ceylon Tea exports for January 2026 totalled 20.71 million kilograms (M/Kgs), reflecting an increase of 1.34 M/Kgs compared to 19.37 M/Kgs recorded in January 2025. All major categories registered growth over the corresponding period last year, signalling a positive momentum for the sector at the outset of the year.
The Free on Board (FOB) value for January 2026 was recorded at Rs. 1,821.71 per kilogram (USD 5.88), marking an increase of Rs. 98.93 (USD 0.06) compared to Rs. 1,722.78 (USD 5.82) in January 2025. While a marginal decline in USD terms was observed in Bulk and Instant Tea categories, the overall average FOB value in dollar terms edged higher year-on-year. Bulk Tea exports rose to 8.91 M/Kgs from 8.24 M/Kgs a year earlier, an increase of 665,876 kilograms. However, the average FOB value in USD terms for Bulk Tea declined slightly to USD 4.92 from USD 5.03. Tea Packets recorded 8.88 M/Kgs, up by 390,787 kilograms year-on-year, with the FOB value improving to USD 5.59 from USD 5.43. Tea Bags increased to 2.20 M/Kgs from 2.10 M/Kgs, while Green Tea and Instant Tea also registered notable gains in both volume and rupee-denominated FOB value.
In terms of export destinations, Iraq retained its position as the leading importer of Ceylon Tea in January 2026, purchasing 2.95 M/Kgs, despite a slight 2% year-on-year decline. Türkiye emerged as the second largest importer, recording a significant 118% surge to 2.36 M/Kgs, compared to 1.08 M/Kgs in January 2025.
Russia secured third place with imports of 2.02 M/Kgs, reflecting a 17% increase year-on-year. The United Arab Emirates ranked fourth, importing 1.05 M/Kgs, although this represented a 17% decline compared to the same month last year. Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia followed with 0.98 M/Kgs and 0.96 M/Kgs respectively, while Chile and Iran each imported 0.95 M/Kgs to secure seventh and eighth positions. Libya and the United States completed the top 10 importers, recording 0.87 M/Kgs and 0.69 M/Kgs respectively.
The January performance indicates a steady recovery in global demand for Ceylon Tea, with improved pricing and expanding market volumes providing an encouraging outlook for the months ahead.
Source : Daily News
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