Sri Lanka’s tea exports to the United Arab Emirates grew 3.3 percent in 2025 to reach 18.32 million kilograms, up from 17.73 million kilograms in 2024, a senior official with the tea trade said, citing the latest export-destination breakdown, Ada Derana reported.
The figures show Iraq remained the single largest destination for Sri Lankan tea in 2025, accounting for 15.31 percent of total exports — a long-standing dominance reflecting both the cultural primacy of black tea in Iraqi households and the country’s preference for the strong, dark Ceylon liquoring style. Russia ranked second at 8.39 percent, followed by Türkiye at 8.27 percent. The UAE, which is also an important re-export hub for tea destined for other Gulf and African markets, has been climbing steadily as a direct destination over the past three years.
The official said the growth in the UAE market reflected both strengthened brand-Ceylon visibility through Dubai-based promotions and the continued shift by some UAE traders away from Kenyan or Indian leaf following quality and consistency improvements at the Sri Lankan auction. The 3.3 percent rise comes despite competitive pressure from Vietnam, Kenya and Indonesia and the broader global oversupply that has weighed on tea prices at multiple producing-country auctions.
For Sri Lankan growers, the UAE figure provides a modest bright spot as the industry navigates margin pressure from rising labour costs, fertiliser-input inflation and shifting weather patterns under the newly-declared El Niño. The Sri Lanka Tea Board has previously flagged the Middle East as a strategic growth corridor for 2026 and 2027 promotional spending, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Sources: Ada Derana — Sri Lanka tea exports to UAE grow 3.3% to 18.32m kilograms in 2025.
