Sri Lanka’s tea exports fell in February, with the volume declining by 1.91 million kilograms year-on-year (YoY) to 20.40 million kilograms, industry data showed.
The cumulative export volume in January-February rose to 39.77 million kilograms, down 1.30 million kilograms from the same period last year, due to lower demand in most tea categories, except packaged tea.
The free on board (FOB) value in February was Rs. 1,737.25, down Rs. 51.91 million from the previous year. However, when measured in US dollars, the FOB value increased by US$0.13.
The cumulative FOB value during January-February was Rs. 1,730.34, a decrease of Rs. 40.58 but an increase of US$0.25 in dollar terms.
Iraq remained the leading importer of Ceylon tea imports during January-February, with a year-on-year increase of 13 percent to 5.96 million kilograms.
The second largest importer, Russia, saw a 10 percent decrease to 4.08 million kilograms. Libya recorded a significant increase in imports, rising by 653 percent to 3.63 million kilograms.
Other major markets showed mixed results. The United Arab Emirates and Turkey experienced declines of 44 percent and 34 percent, respectively, while Chile showed an increase of 26 percent. Saudi Arabia and China were tied with 1.59 million kilograms, while Iran experienced a sharp 55 percent decline.
