📈 Sri Lanka Tea Exports Surpass US$ 1.5 Bn in 2025

Sri Lanka’s tea industry demonstrated strong resilience in 2025, with total export earnings rising 6% YoY to reach US$ 1.51 Bn. While average prices faced pressure, a significant increase in export volumes drove the overall growth. • Overall Figures & Pricing Total export volume reached 257.44 Mnkg, up 11.65 Mnkg (+4.7%) from 2024. The average FOB value stood at US$ 5.85 per kg (up US$ 0.01), though the Rupee-denominated value dipped slightly to Rs. 1,760.70 per kg. • Shift to Value-Added Segments 2025 marked an 11-year high for value-added tea, accounting for 59% of total exports. Tea Packets: Surged to 116.25 Mnkg (45% of total), up 14.43 Mnkg. Tea Bags: Increased to 26.4 Mnkg. Instant Tea: Rose 15% to 3 Mnkg. Bulk Tea: Contracted to 106.8 Mnkg, now representing only 41% of the basket. • Top Export Markets Iraq: Remained the #1 buyer at 39.36 Mnkg (+14.9% YoY). Russia: Ranked second (21.59 Mnkg) despite a 13.6% decline. Türkiye: Strong growth of 20% to 21.27 Mnkg. Libya: Registered the highest growth among top markets, surging 83.9% to 18.93 Mnkg. • December 2025 Snapshot Monthly exports fell to 17.87 Mnkg (down 4.70 Mnkg YoY), but the average FOB value jumped to a higher Rs. 1,831.11 per kg, indicating better price realization at year-end.