Sri Lanka tea exports to UAE edge up 3.3% in 2025

Sri Lanka's tea exports to the UAE grew by 3.3 per cent during 2025, with shipments totalling 18.32 million kilograms, according to trade data. The growth, though modest, demonstrates the continued appeal of Ceylon tea in the Gulf market, which remains a significant destination for the island nation's tea industry.

The UAE ranks among Sri Lanka's key tea export markets in the Middle East, where Ceylon tea commands premium positioning due to its distinctive flavour profile and quality standards. The consistent demand reflects both established consumer preferences and the strategic importance of Gulf markets for Sri Lankan tea producers and exporters.

The growth trajectory comes as the global tea sector navigates challenging conditions including commodity price pressures and shifting consumer demand patterns. Nevertheless, Sri Lanka's tea exports have maintained resilience in traditional markets, supported by the sector's reputation for quality and the efforts of industry stakeholders to maintain competitive advantage.

The tea industry remains one of Sri Lanka's largest foreign exchange earners, and performance in established markets like the UAE provides a barometer for the sector's overall health. Industry observers will monitor whether this trend of incremental growth can accelerate in coming months amid broader economic developments in both Sri Lanka and the Gulf region.