VICTORIA, Seychelles — Sri Lanka emerged as the primary source of tea for Seychelles in 2024, contributing more than half of the total tea imported, according to a recent report from the Seychelles Revenue Commission, with statistics compiled by the National Bureau of Statistics, to mark International Tea Day on May 21. The data, spanning sources and values of tea imports, underscores Sri Lanka’s position as the leading supplier, accounting for just over 50 percent of the country’s tea imports.
The report also identifies other notable contributors, including South Africa and the United Kingdom, though their contributions are considerably smaller in comparison. South Africa supplied tea valued at R1.6 million, making it a key secondary source, while the United Kingdom followed with tea imports worth R1.3 million. The total value of tea imports over the decade 2015-2024 stabilised at approximately R10.6 million annually, with minimal fluctuations, suggesting a steady demand for tea in Seychelles.
The reliance on Sri Lanka, supplemented by South Africa and the United Kingdom, reflects strategic trade partnerships that ensure a reliable supply of tea, catering to both domestic consumption and the tourism sector, where tea is often served in hotels and resorts. The data offers insight into the country’s economic priorities, with tea playing a cultural and economic role alongside other imports. The decade-long data further illustrates the consistency of the country’s tea trade, underlining its importance to the nation’s culture and economy.
