Sri Lanka’s tea industry faced a setback in April 2025, with national tea prices declining across most elevations, according to the latest industry data. The average price per kilogram of tea fell to Rs. 1,166—marking a drop of Rs. 17.01 compared to March’s figures.
The downturn was more pronounced in the year-on-year comparison, with April’s average falling by Rs. 50.10 from the same month in 2024. Moreover, when compared to the year-to-date national average from January to April 2024, prices are down by Rs. 94.99.
High-grown teas were among the hardest hit, declining by Rs. 43.78 from March, and by Rs. 56.29 when compared to April 2024. These elevations, typically commanding premium prices, reflect the broader challenges facing the export-dependent sector.
Medium-grown teas saw a modest month-on-month gain of Rs. 1.73 in rupee terms. However, in US dollar terms, this category posted a minor decline of 0.50%, along with a year-on-year rupee drop of Rs. 9.89.
Low-grown teas, which constitute a significant portion of Sri Lanka’s tea exports, also experienced a downturn—dropping by Rs. 7.67 from March and by Rs. 66.84 compared to the same period last year.
The overall decline in tea prices signals ongoing volatility in global demand, cost pressures, and currency fluctuations, which continue to affect one of Sri Lanka’s key agricultural exports.