Sri Lanka exported approximately 101.85 million kilograms of tea between January and May 2026.
This was around 1.43 million kilograms lower than the 103.28 million kilograms exported during the same period in 2025.
Although overall export volume declined slightly, green tea and instant tea performed more strongly than many traditional categories.
The results show that the Sri Lankan tea industry is gradually becoming more diversified.
Sri Lanka is internationally known for Ceylon tea, especially orthodox black tea.
These teas are often valued for their aroma, bright liquor, attractive leaf appearance and regional characteristics.
Different tea-growing elevations in Sri Lanka produce different flavour profiles, giving exporters a wide range of products for blending and premium retail.
The country also has a strong value-added tea industry.
Sri Lankan exporters supply loose-leaf tea, tea bags, flavoured tea, gift boxes, metal tins and private-label products.
This experience in packaging and brand development allows Sri Lankan suppliers to serve supermarkets, hotels, restaurants and specialised tea retailers.
During the first five months of 2026, the average export value increased in Sri Lankan rupee terms to around Rs.1,797.58 per kilogram.
However, the average value declined when calculated in US dollars, falling from approximately US$5.91 to US$5.72 per kilogram.
This difference demonstrates how exchange rates can influence international trade statistics.
A producer may receive more local currency even when the dollar value of exports declines.
For international buyers, exchange-rate conditions can create opportunities or risks.
A favourable currency movement may improve export competitiveness, while a stronger local currency can result in higher quotations.
The stronger performance of green tea and instant tea is also significant.
Green tea is becoming more popular among consumers interested in wellness, natural products and lighter flavours.
Instant tea can be used in ready-to-drink beverages, powdered drink mixes, vending products and industrial food applications.
For West African importers, Sri Lankan tea is generally positioned at a higher price level than commercial CTC tea or many Chinese green tea grades.
It may therefore be more suitable for premium supermarkets, hotels, restaurants, airports, gift shops and higher-income urban consumers.
A Sri Lankan tea product should normally be supported by strong packaging and clear product positioning.
Selling a premium tea in a weak or ordinary package may make it difficult to justify the higher retail price.
Brand owners can highlight the product's origin, aroma, leaf quality, brewing experience and presentation.
Sri Lankan tea can also be blended with stronger CTC tea.
This allows manufacturers to improve aroma and flavour while controlling costs.
For example, a tea-bag blend may use Kenyan or Indian CTC tea for strength and Sri Lankan orthodox tea for aroma and complexity.
Buyers should request samples from different elevations and grades because the taste can vary considerably.
They should also confirm whether the quotation is for bulk tea, tea bags, branded products or private-label packaging.
Packaging costs can form a significant part of the final price, particularly when using metal tins, gift boxes or individually wrapped tea bags.
Importers should therefore separate the cost of the tea from the cost of the packaging when comparing quotations.
The slight decline in total exports does not necessarily indicate weak demand for all Sri Lankan tea.
Instead, the market may be shifting toward different categories and destination countries.
The resilience of green and instant tea demonstrates that consumers are exploring new ways to prepare and consume tea.
For West African businesses, this creates an opportunity to develop a multi-level product range.
Affordable Chinese green tea can continue serving the mass market, black tea bags can provide everyday convenience and premium Sri Lankan products can target selected modern retail channels.
Companies should conduct local market testing before launching a premium product.
The final package size, price and design should match the purchasing power and expectations of the target consumer group.
Overall, Sri Lanka remains an important tea origin for companies seeking quality, product diversity and value-added packaging expertise.
