Ceylon Tea prices decline YoY in February

Sri Lanka’s national tea auction average declined in February 2026, weighed down by the weaker medium and low grown prices, despite a resilient performance in the high grown category.
The data compiled by Forbes & Walker showed that the national tea sales average for February stood at Rs.1,152.11 per kilogramme (US $ 3.72), down Rs.12.43 and US $ 0.04, from January’s average of Rs.1,164.54 (US $ 3.76).
On a year-on-year (YoY) basis, the February 2026 average was Rs.16.82 and US $ 0.24 lower than Rs.1,168.93 (US $ 3.96) recorded in February 2025, reflecting a continued pressure on export realisations, amid the currency and demand shifts across the key markets. An elevation-wise breakdown showed a mixed performance.
The high grown teas posted gains, both month-on-month and YoY. The category recorded an increase of Rs.15.90 and US $ 0.06 compared to January 2026, while rising Rs.53.31 and US $ 0.01 against February 2025, signalling a sustained demand for the quality orthodox teas.
In contrast, the medium grown teas reported a negative variance of Rs.6.03 and US $ 0.02 month-on-month. Compared with the corresponding month last year, the segment saw a sharper drop of Rs.46.91 and US $ 0.31, underscoring a softer buying interest in this elevation. 
The low grown teas, which typically account for the bulk of Sri Lanka’s production, recorded the steepest monthly correction, declining Rs.26.38 and US $ 0.08 from January. Against the corresponding period last year, the category posted a negative variance of Rs.30.25 
and US $ 0.28.