Sri Lanka tea export revenues reach $1.083 billion

Sri Lanka’s tea export revenues reached approximately $1.083 billion during the first nine months of 2026, according to customs data analysis by Siyaka Research. This represents a decrease from the $1.163 billion earned during the same period in the previous year.

While total export volumes fell by 4% to 189.4 million kg, total earnings in Sri Lankan Rupees rose to Rs. 350 billion, up from Rs. 347 billion. This increase in local currency is attributed to the depreciation of the Rupee against the US dollar.

Value-added products, including packaged teas, tea bags, and instant tea, accounted for roughly 58% of total exports. Regional trade patterns showed significant shifts: exports to Turkey surged by 134%, while shipments to Iraq and China saw declines. Conversely, exports to Azerbaijan and Jordan experienced growth.