📈 Sri Lanka Tea Export Earnings Cross US$ 1 Bn Mark in Jan–Sep 2026

Sri Lanka’s tea export revenue reached US$ 1.083 Bn during Jan–Sep 2026, crossing the US$ 1 Bn threshold despite a YoY decline from US$ 1.163 Bn recorded in Jan–Sep 2025. • Overall Performance & Revenue • Total USD Earnings: US$ 1.083 Bn (down ~6.9% YoY from US$ 1.163 Bn) • Total LKR Earnings: Rs. 350 Bn (up ~0.86% YoY from Rs. 347 Bn), supported by LKR depreciation against the USD • Total Volume: 189.4 Mn kg (down 4%📈 Sri Lanka Tea Exports Surpass US$ 1 Billion Mark in 9M 2026 • Overall Earnings & Volumes Cumulative tea export earnings reached US$ 1.083 Bn for Jan–Sep 2026, down from US$ 1.163 Bn YoY. Total volume fell 4% YoY to 189.4 million kg (vs. 198.3 million kg in 2025). September volume dropped to 23 million kg (vs. 23.7 million kg). However, Rupee earnings rose to Rs. 350 Bn (vs. Rs. 347 Bn) due to LKR depreciation. • Value Addition Focus Value-added tea exports accounted for ~58% of total volume, driven by packets, tea bags, and instant tea—highlighting its vital role in supporting export revenue. • Key Destinations & Regional Shifts • Turkey: Surged 134% YoY to 35.7 million kg amid Middle East trade disruptions. • Iraq: Fell sharply to 18.4 million kg (vs. 30 million kg). • Russia: Remained steady at 16.9 million kg. • Azerbaijan: Grew 34% YoY to 9 million kg. • China: Decreased 10% YoY to 7.1 million kg. • Libya: Dropped heavily to 6.6 million kg (vs. 15.9 million kg). • Syria & Jordan: Rose 5% (to 6.4 million kg) and 51% (to 6.3 million kg), respectively. • Saudi Arabia: Held steady at 6.3 million kg. • Chile: Fell to 6.3 million kg (vs. 8.5 million kg in 2025).