“Ceylon Tea” exports during the first eight months of 2011 see growth

Sri Lanka’s tea exports during the first 8 months of this year has seen a year on year growth of 4%, thus amounting for a export volume 209.8 million, compared to last years same periods 200.8 million kilograms.

In value terms Sri Lanka’s exports to end August amounted to Rs.107.1 billion as against the corresponding period of 2010 which stood at Rs.98.8 billion.

This export growth has been backed by increased buying from Russia, Iran and Syria.

John Keells Tea Brokers in its weekly tea report citing custom data says Russia was the major buyer of Ceylon tea during the first 8 months of this year.

Russia has purchased 53.5 Million kilograms of Ceylon tea up to August this year compared to last years same periods 46.3 million kilograms.

Iran has been the second biggest buyer with a purchase of 19.5 Million kilograms of tea followed by Syria purchasing 18.6 million kilograms.

“All three destinations have increased their purchases over last year to end August whilst accounting for 43.7% of the total export volume” announced John Keells Tea Brokers in its tea report.

However tea exports to Libya, Jordan, Kuwait and United Arab Emirates has seen a decline during the first eight months of this year.

“The drop in tea exports to some of the Middle Eastern Countries could be attributed to the impact of the on going political unrest in the area” announced John Keells Tea Brokers in its weekly tea report.

The drop, the broker says was a noticeable.

“These markets recorded drops of 48.6%, 50.8%, 30.3% and 23.8% respectively” added the broker report.