Black pepper exports from Sri Lanka: Top exports & suppliers

Black pepper export from Sri Lanka: What's highlighted in 2026?

• Sri Lanka's quarterly black pepper export value peaked at US$29.22 million in Q2 2026, up 42.79% on Q1 2025, before settling near a US$20 million baseline across the following quarters.
• CEYLON ECO SPICES PVT LTD leads recorded exporters at an 18.73% share, more than double the second-placed COLOMBO EXPORT IMPORT AGENCIES at 8.84%, pointing to a market with one dominant house and a long tail.
• National pepper shipments contracted sharply in early 2026, with Sri Lanka Customs recording pepper export earnings down 45.56% in January to May and shipments to India down 52.58% over the same period.
• Sri Lanka ranked third among world pepper exporters in 2024 at US$166.90 million and 25,259 tonnes, a 14.1% global share, though 2025 output fell about 20% due to weather, according to Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association data.

How much black pepper does Sri Lanka exportin 2025-2026?

TradeInt data shows that Sri Lanka's quarterly black pepper export value rose from US$20.46 million in Q1 2025 to a peak of US$29.22 million in Q2 2025, an increase of 42.79% in a single quarter.

Nevertheless, Q3 2025 dropped 32.63% to US$19.68 million, held broadly flat through Q4 2025, and Q1 2026 recovered only 3.38% to US$20.27 million, leaving the series without a sustained upward trend.

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This article provides an overview of Sri Lanka’s black pepper exports. Use TradeInt to explore more detailed trade records and continue tracking this market as new data becomes available. Search Sri Lanka black pepper export records →

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Sri Lanka Customs reported that pepper export earnings fell 45.56% in January to May 2026, the main drag on a spice and essential oils sector that slipped 3.28% to US$167.95 million.

Meanwhile, the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association reported that Sri Lankan pepper output declined about 20% in 2025 due to adverse weather, part of a global supply squeeze that its trade body expects to cut world supply by 15% to 20% in 2026.

The country’s price offered only a partial cushion, with Selina Wamucii putting Sri Lanka's farmgate pepper price at US$5.90 per kg in June 2026, up 19.4% year on year, while the 2024 average export unit value stood at US$6.61 per kg.

Key observations on Sri Lanka’s pepper export trend in 2026:

• The Q2 2025 peak was temporary: Export value fell by about one-third in the following quarter, suggesting the increase came from shipment timing rather than sustained demand.
• Lower production limited export growth: Sri Lanka’s pepper output fell by around 20% in 2025, reducing the volume available for export even as prices increased.
• Ceylon Pepper maintained its premium: Its high piperine content supports higher international prices, helping export value remain stronger than shipment volume.

To which top 5 countries does Sri Lanka export black pepper in 2026?

Based on TradeInt's Sri Lanka export records for HS 0904, Sri Lanka mainly exports black pepper to India at US$20.88 million, Germany at US$3.69 million, and the United States at US$1.00 million in January to May 2026. The top 10 Sri Lanka black pepper export destinations also include Spain, China, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Japan, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Top 5 destinations for black pepper export from Sri Lanka in 2026:

1. India - US$20.88 million: the largest and most volatile market, drawing Ceylon Pepper into processing and blending lines.
2. Germany - US$3.69 million: a European gateway buying graded whole pepper for onward EU distribution.
3. United States - US$1 million: a premium market that pays for high-piperine, specialty-grade lots.
4. Spain - US$557K: a Southern European buyer sourcing whole black pepper for food manufacturing.
5. China - US$485K: a growing Asian market drawing Ceylon Pepper into blending and ingredient supply.

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India

India is Sri Lanka’s largest black pepper market, so weaker demand there pulled down the national total. Sri Lanka Customs reported that pepper exports to India fell 52.58% from January to May 2026.

The decline reflected limited supply rather than weak price competitiveness. In early 2026, Indian pepper traded at about US$8,650 per tonne, compared with around US$7,200 per tonne for Sri Lankan pepper. However, Sri Lanka’s 2025 crop fell by about 20%, leaving exporters with less volume to ship.

• The harvest cycle limited first-half exports: The new crop was expected from June 2026, so earlier shipments relied on reduced 2025 output and limited stock.
• India remains a two-way trade partner: India both imports Ceylon Pepper and supplies other regional markets, making the corridor sensitive to harvest changes in either country.

Middle East re-export hubs

Gulf markets are important re-export channels for Sri Lankan pepper. The United Arab Emirates accounted for 41% of Sri Lanka’s pepper import value in 2024, showing the importance of regional redistribution.

Because these markets mainly re-export pepper, their demand depends on buyers in other countries rather than local consumption.

• Re-export demand increases volatility: Gulf traders may reduce purchases quickly when downstream demand weakens, causing sharp quarterly changes.
• Singapore is another major re-export hub: It represented 21% of Sri Lanka’s pepper import value in 2024, showing how much trade moves through intermediary markets.

Premium Western markets such as Germany, the US, and Australia

Germany, the US, Australia, and Canada form Sri Lanka’s premium pepper markets. Buyers in these countries pay more for Ceylon Pepper’s origin, aroma, and high piperine content.

These markets support export value but purchase smaller volumes than India or regional trading hubs.

Who are top black pepper exporters in Sri Lanka?

In the list of verified Sri Lankan suppliers on TradeInt, the largest black pepper exporters are CEYLON ECO SPICES PVT LTD at an 18.73% share, COLOMBO EXPORT IMPORT AGENCIES at 8.84%, JAYA FARM at 7.20%, SYNTHITE LANKA PVT LTD, and DLK SPICE EXPORTS PRIVATE LIMITED.

Top 5 black pepper exporters in Sri Lanka in 2026:

1. CEYLON ECO SPICES PVT LTD: a premier exporter specialising in organic whole black pepper and agricultural commodities.
2. COLOMBO EXPORT IMPORT AGENCIES: an established enterprise processing and exporting authentic Ceylon spices, pepper, and coconut products.
3. JAYA FARM: an integrated agribusiness exporting organic Ceylon spices, whole black pepper, and agro-commodities.
4. SYNTHITE LANKA PVT LTD: a procurement and processing unit exporting high-grade spice oils, oleoresins, and whole pepper.
5. DLK SPICE EXPORTS PRIVATE LIMITED: a prominent exporter supplying organic whole black pepper and regional spice commodities globally.

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Conclusion

Sri Lanka’s black pepper exports in 2026 were limited mainly by low supply. After export value peaked at US$29.22 million in Q2 2025, it fell to around US$20 million as weak harvests reduced shipment volumes.

Meanwhile, India remained the main market, although exports there dropped 52.58%. Therefore, recovery in late 2026 will depend on a stronger new crop.

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Frequently asked questions

How much black pepper does Sri Lanka export yearly?

Sri Lanka exported US$166.90 million and 25,259 tonnes of pepper in 2024, ranking third worldwide with a 14.1% global share, on UN Comtrade figures via Selina Wamucii. Shipments contracted sharply in early 2026, with national pepper earnings down 45.56% in January to May as the 2025 crop fell about 20%.

What is the export price of black pepper in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka's farmgate pepper price was US$5.90 per kg in June 2026, up 19.4% year on year, while the 2024 average export unit value was US$6.61 per kg, on Selina Wamucii data. Ceylon Pepper generally earns a premium over bulk origins because of its high piperine content.

Where is black pepper grown in Sri Lanka?

Ceylon Pepper is cultivated over roughly 32,800 hectares, mainly in the Matale, Kandy, Kegalle, and Kurunegala districts, according to Export Development Board data. Pepper from this terroir is prized internationally for its floral aroma and strong pungency.