Ceylon Tea exports gain momentum in July

Tea exports continued its upward trajectory in July 2025, reaching 24.04 million kilograms, up 2.68 million kilograms from the 21.36 million kilograms shipped in the same month last year. 

All tea categories recorded positive growth compared to July 2024, underscoring sustained global demand for Ceylon Tea.

Despite the volume gains, the Free on Board (FOB) value in Sri Lankan rupees slipped slightly to Rs. 1,766.51 million from Rs. 1,773.70 million in July 2024. However, in U.S. dollar terms, exporters saw a marginal increase of US$ 0.03, reflecting currency fluctuations.

For the January–July 2025 period, cumulative tea exports totaled 150.85 million kilograms, a 10.38 million kilogram increase compared with the same period in 2024. 

While Bulk Tea exports fell short, other segments, notably Tea Bags and Instant Tea, drove the 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 registered modest gains across most categories except Tea Packets.

Iraq emerged as the largest importer of Sri Lankan tea, with shipments rising 27 percent year-on-year to 22.61 million kilograms. Libya posted a remarkable 245 percent jump to 13.02 million kilograms, overtaking Russia, which saw exports decline 13 percent to 13.00 million kilograms. 

Other key markets included the U.A.E. (10.63 million kilograms, down 24 percent), Türkiye (10.39 million kilograms, down 2 percent), and Iran (7.07 million kilograms). Chile, China, Saudi Arabia, and Azerbaijan rounded out the top ten importers for the period.