Sri Lanka’s tea production fell 14.5% year-on-year in March to 20.8 million kilograms, dragged down by prolonged dry and hot weather across the island’s tea-growing regions, according to data analysed by Asia Siyaka Commodities PLC.
Output was 3.5 million kilograms lower than the 24.4 million kilograms recorded in March last year. While March 2024 production was weaker still at 19.6 million kilograms, the latest print ranks among the weakest on record — surpassed only by the 13.5 million kilograms registered during the COVID-19 lockdown period.
All elevation categories contracted compared with a year earlier. High Grown and Mid Grown teas were hit hardest, falling 17% and 22% respectively, Asia Siyaka said.
On a cumulative basis, first-quarter production weakened to 59.6 million kilograms from 61.7 million kilograms in the same period of 2025. Low Grown and Mid Grown segments led the quarterly declines, contracting 3% and 8% respectively.
The drop underscores the sector’s exposure to weather volatility, which continues to pressure the industry during key harvesting windows. The production shortfall comes against a backdrop of firm global tea prices earlier in the year, and leaves smallholders and estates under cost pressure as input bills — particularly for fertiliser and labour — continue to rise.
