November tea prices dip from last month, maintain YoY gains

The national tea sales average for November 2024 slipped to Rs. 1,137.22 (US$ 3.92) per kilogram, down Rs. 34.93 (US$ 0.10) from October’s average of Rs. 1,172.15 (US$ 4.02), data showed.

Despite the monthly decline, the November average marked a year-on-year (YoY) improvement, rising by Rs. 20.57 (US$ 0.50) from Rs. 1,116.65 (US$ 3.42) recorded in November 2023.

High-Grown teas saw their average price decline Rs. 34.82 (US$ 0.10) month-on-month to Rs. 1,175.01 (US$ 4.05), but gained Rs. 88.01 (US$ 0.68) YoY.

Medium-Grown teas fell by Rs. 27.61 (US$ 0.08) from October, reaching Rs. 1,080.61 (US$ 3.72). Compared to November 2023, prices were up by Rs. 6.32 (US$ 0.40).

Low-Grown teas, which make up the bulk of Sri Lanka’s production, saw a month-on-month drop of Rs. 41.60 (US$ 0.12) to Rs. 1,158.92 (US$ 4.00). However, they edged up Rs. 0.79 (US$ 0.46) YoY.

From January to November 2024, all regions reported higher averages compared to the same period in 2023 in both rupee and dollar terms, reflecting a degree of resilience in the face of market challenges.