No impact on tea exports despite Middle East war

By Pranavesh Sivakumar

Despite the ongoing war on Iran by the U.S and Israel, Sri Lanka’s tea exports to Iran, U.A.E. and Iraq has not been hit to the feared level, Colombo Tea Traders Association’s Chairman, Lushan De Silva said.   

He also said they have called on the government to intervene and support the operations and see that operations function in a seamless manner.   

However, though, the disruption has defied predicted levels, tea exports have been moving and more or less the same demand can be seen. “As per what we thought it would be, if the diesel and fuel issues are solved, things will move on. We expect support from the government, to keep the operation moving,” he said.   

“There is no impact to the auction due to these issues. There is tea that is being processed and moving out on different routes.”    Commenting on the loss of revenue, he said all these were due to delayed shipments. “For instance, what was meant to go this week, would be dispatched next week. Explaining the government’s role, he urged for an adequate amount of fuel to be provided for transportation.