History of Ceylon Tea

Mar 29, Colombo: Sri Lanka tea production for the month of February 2021 totaled 22.38 million kgs showing an increase of 4.17 million kgs compared 18.21 million kgs of February 2020, according to figures released for the month by the Tea Exporters Association.

High Growns have remained static, whilst the Mid Growns have shown a marginal increase. Meanwhile, Low Growns have recorded a fairly significant increase compared to the corresponding month of 2020.

January-February 2021 cumulative production totaled 45.50 million kgs recording a gain of 5.35 million kgs against the volume of 40.15 million kgs of January-February 2020. On a cumulative basis, High Growns have shown a marginal decrease, whilst the Mid and Low Growns have shown an increase, with Low Growns showing the highest gain.

CTC Cumulative production, January-February 2021 totaled 4.12 million kgs, recording a 0.26 million kgs increase compared to 3.87 million kgs of January-February 2020.

Tea Exports for the month of February 2021 totaled 23.16 million kgs, showing a decrease of 0.49 million kgs compared to 23.65 million kgs of February 2020.

When analyzing the main categories of exports, Bulk Tea and Tea Bags show a marginal growth, whilst Packeted Tea has shown a decrease compared to the corresponding period of 2020.

January-February 2021 cumulative exports totaled 43.99 million kgs, showing a deficit of 1.76 million kgs compared to 45.75 million kgs of January-February 2020. Again, Bulk Tea and Tea Bags show a marginal growth, whilst Packeted Tea has shown a fairly significant decrease (2.82 million kgs) compared to the corresponding period of 2020.

Meanwhile, revenue of Rs. 41.02 billion has been recorded, an increase of Rs. 3.36 billion vis-à-vis Rs. 37.66 billion of January-February 2020. The average FOB value Rs. 932.47 (USD 4.87) shows a gain of Rs. 109.21 per kg when compared to Rs. 823.26 (USD 4.58) of January-December 2020.

Turkey has retained the No. 1 position followed by Russia and Iraq with China occupying the 4th position with significant improvements in imports compared to the corresponding period of 2020. Iran which has moved down to 9th position from the 4th position it occupied in 2020, records a fairly substantial decrease in imports during January-February 2021. Other noteworthy importers are the UAE, Azerbaijan, Syria and Libya.