Tea sector posts gains as September output increases

Sri Lanka’s tea production saw a significant increase in September 2024, with total output reaching 24.13 million kilograms, a rise of 5.23 million kilograms compared to the 18.90 million kilograms produced in the same month last year, according to industry data. The production increase was observed across all elevations when compared to September 2023.

The latest figures also reflect a 2.90 million kilogram increase from the 21.23 million kilograms reported in September 2022, indicating steady year-on-year growth in the sector.

For the January-September period of 2024, cumulative tea production reached 196.22 million kilograms, an increase of 2.73 million kilograms compared to 193.49 million kilograms during the same period in 2023. All elevations, except High Growns, recorded positive gains over the previous year.

Compared to the 192.77 million kilograms produced during January-September 2022, 2024 showed a growth of 3.45 million kilograms, with improvements across most elevations, though High Grown production remained subdued.