Tea exports drop in September

Ceylon Tea export sales in September have indicated a drop to 21.5 million kg as against the previous month’s figure of 23 million kg and 23.4 million during the same period last year.

With production on the decline September exports of 21.5 million kg is the lowest at least in the last 20 years, the Asia Siyaka Research stated.

Even with this lower export quantity the income had recorded earnings at US$117.8 million attributed to FOB value of $5.47 per kg. The cumulative $937.8 million however is significantly lower than last year.

Iraq continues as the top destination with 35.3 million kg of tea exported upto end September 2022 and was over 26 per cent compared to last year. Volumes to Russia were 13 per cent lower at 17.8 million kg but remained as the second largest exporting country.

UAE is marginally higher with 16.7 million kg. Turkey follows even though lower by 56 per cent at a quantity 10.8 million kg. Iran at 10.4 million kg, Libya at 9.3 million kg and Azerbaijan at 9.2 million kg are the next destinations.

Japan had dropped by about 10 per cent lower than last year amounting to only 4.4 million kg. China is lower by 20 per cent at 8.7 million kg; Chile lower 11 per cent with 5.7 million kg; Germany at 5.4 million kg. Syria purchased 4.9 million kg which is 22 per cent less; and Saudi Arabia had increased by 2 per cent at 4.6 million kg. (SD)