Tea exports volume and value higher in first half

Despite challenges with shipping, Sri Lanka’s tea exports in the first half of this year have risen by 6% to 119.1 million kilos in comparison to the corresponding period of 2023.

The growth is despite exports in June being marginally down by 2% to 20.9 million kilos, Asia Siyaka Commodities Plc said.

The country has earned $ 687 million in the first half of 2024 as against $ 637 million a year ago.

The approximate FOB price per kilogramme is $ 5.77 compared with $ 5.68 last year.

Asia Siyaka said Iraq continues as a prime tea destination for Sri Lanka’s tea exports with an absorption of 14.6 million kilos a quantity similar to previous year. Russia followed with 13 million kilos, up 6% from a year ago. Exports to UAE have gone up sharply 59% to 11.9 million kilos whilst to Turkey shipments declined by 35% to 8.6 million kilos.