## Company Profile MCCALLUM CARGO (PVT) LTD — freight forwarder based in Sri Lanka (website: http://www.mccallumcargo.com). Listed in local forwarding associations (SLFFA). Likely core services: international sea/air freight forwarding, customs clearance, local trucking/warehousing, container consolidation and project cargo support for Sri Lankan exporters (tea, coconut and rubber producers, apparel manufacturers) and importers. Appears to be a mid‑market, locally focused forwarder serving exporters that use the Port of Colombo as their gateway. ## Pain Points 1) Customers facing sharply higher and volatile ocean freight (war‑risk surcharges, Suez reroutes) that squeeze FOB margins and force urgent routing changes or air upgrades — McCallum lacks a scalable market‑access solution to keep customers’ orders flowing during freight shocks. 2) Equipment imbalances, container shortages and schedule unreliability (Jan–Apr 2026 Colombo TEU +13.9% but longer round trips) creating last‑minute operational pressure — clients need verified alternative buyers, multimodal routing and near‑real‑time sourcing to avoid order cancellations. 3) Exporters shifting to value‑added and branded product lines (notably coconut) require buyer introductions, compliance and packaged‑product logistics — McCallum may miss higher‑margin export opportunities without an outsourced market‑access/delivery channel. ## Intel Summary === MULTI-DIMENSION RESEARCH === === 1. [COMMODITY TRENDS] === Sri Lanka – tea, coconut, rubber export trends, prices, demand/supply into 2026 **Tea** - **Export volumes & values (latest full year)** - 2025 tea export volume: **257.44 million kg**, up from **245.79 million kg** in 2024 (**+4.74%**). ([ft.lk](https://www.ft.lk/agriculture/Tea-industry-in-2025-An-overview/31-787557?utm_source=openai)) - Export earnings 2025: **Rs 453.3 billion (~US$ 1.51 billion)** vs **Rs 433.5 billion (US$ 1.43 billion)** in 2024 (**+4.6% value** in LKR). Average **FOB about US$ 5.84–5.88/kg**. ([ft.lk](https://www.ft.lk/agriculture/Tea-industry-in-2025-An-overview/31-787557?utm_source=openai)) - Industry sources put 2025 tea export earnings in a range **Rs 452–457 billion**, about **+5% YoY** in nominal rupees. ([ceylontoday.lk](https://ceylontoday.lk/2026/01/10/tea-exports-up-rs-452-457b-industry/?utm_source=openai)) - **Early 2026 dynamics** - January 2026: tea export **volume +7% YoY**, with **average FOB up 5.6% in LKR** versus Jan‑2025, indicating firming prices despite global freight and macro noise. ([ft.lk](https://www.ft.lk/business/Tea-export-volume-up-7--YoY-in-January--average-FOB-up-5-6-/34-788845?utm_source=openai)) - Q1 2026: tea exports **fell to 60.36 million kg** from **63.21 million kg** in Q1 2025 (‑4.5%), and **National Tea Sale Average price also down**, so the sector entered 2026 with **weaker production, volumes and prices** vs prior year’s strong base. ([dailymirror.lk](https://www.dailymirror.lk/print/business-news/Tea-Industry-Overview-of-2026-First-Quarter/273-339088?utm_source=openai)) - **Demand / market mix** - 2025 growth was driven mainly by **volume recovery** after weather and fertilizer‑related constraints in earlier years; dollar prices were roughly flat to slightly higher (FOB +US$0.01 YoY). ([ft.lk](https://www.ft.lk/agriculture/Tea-industry-in-2025-An-overview/31-787557?utm_source=openai)) - Traditional markets (Iraq, Russia/CIS, Türkiye, Middle East, North Africa) still dominate; some markets like **Türkiye and Libya showed double‑digit volume growth in 2025**, whereas Russia volumes softened. ([teasrilanka.org](https://teasrilanka.org/market-reports?utm_source=openai)) - **Price level and 2026 outlook** - 2025 average export prices: - **National Tea Sale Average** around **Rs 1,760/kg (≈US$ 5.84/kg)**, essentially flat in USD while slightly down in LKR vs 2024. ([ft.lk](https://www.ft.lk/agriculture/Tea-industry-in-2025-An-overview/31-787557?utm_source=openai)) - 2026 so far: - Industry commentary expects **“buoyant” Orthodox tea prices Jan–Mar 2026** thanks to **tight global Orthodox supply** and quality season, but actual Q1 data show weaker averages vs Q1‑2025, implying buyers are price‑sensitive and global macro/freight risks are weighing on bids. ([ceylontoday.lk](https://ceylontoday.lk/2026/01/10/tea-exports-up-rs-452-457b-industry/?utm_source=openai)) - Net: tea entered 2026 from a **higher‑volume, high‑earning 2025**, but Q1‑2026 shows **modest softening in both volumes and unit prices**; demand remains structurally firm but more selective on quality and price. --- **Coconut (and coconut‑based products)** - **Export performance and growth** - Coconut products were one of the fastest‑growing agri export clusters: - CDA bulletin comparison Jan–Oct **2024 vs 2025**: **coconut product export revenue in LKR +45%**. ([cda.gov.lk](https://www.cda.gov.lk/web/images/pdf/export_perfo/2025/2025_MON_BULLETIN_OCT_-_T1.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - CDA Nov‑2025 monitoring: **Jan–Nov 2025 coconut product exports reached Rs 338.45 billion (~US$ 1.13 billion), +43% vs Jan–Nov 2024**. ([nutioils.com](https://www.nutioils.com/blog/monitoring-bulletin-november-2025?utm_source=openai)) - National accounts confirm **coconut export income up 17.4% in 2024** (current prices) within agricultural exports, and coconut remains a key contributor in 2025 as well. ([statistics.gov.lk](https://www.statistics.gov.lk/Resource/en/NationalAccounts/2010/reports/AnnualReports/Annual2024.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - **Volumes / production** - Coconut production showed strong recovery: **coconut output +40.6% YoY in Nov 2025**; coconut oil production Jan–Nov 2025 up **8.4%** vs same period 2024. ([cbsl.gov.lk](https://www.cbsl.gov.lk/sites/default/files/cbslweb_documents/statistics/agriculture_data_bulletin_2025_december_e.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - Higher nut availability allowed exporters to expand **desiccated coconut, virgin/pressed oils, coconut milk/cream, charcoal, coir & rubberized coir** shipments without the severe domestic tightness seen during the 2022–2023 crisis. - **Price and demand** - CDA daily/weekly bulletins for late 2025 show **elevated but stabilizing export prices** for virgin coconut oil and desiccated coconut compared with 2023, supported by: - **Strong demand from EU and North America** for plant‑based, clean‑label fats, - Regional buyers in Middle East and South Asia substituting away from more expensive edible oils at times. ([cda.gov.lk](https://cda.gov.lk/web/index.php?id=16&lang=en&option=com_content&view=article&utm_source=openai)) - Industry commentary (Cocommunity, CDA quotes) describes Sri Lanka as **leveraging premium positioning and value‑added processing** (organic, fair‑trade, specialty fractions) rather than competing purely on price. ([coconutcommunity.org](https://coconutcommunity.org/files/document/20250602150028pub-cocommunity-newsletter.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - **2026 implications** - On current trajectory, coconut products are **on track to approach or exceed US$ 1.2 bn in 2026** if 2025 growth rates hold and production remains strong (inference based on 2025 Jan–Nov US$1.13 bn and continued YoY growth into early‑2026 export aggregates). ([ft.lk](https://www.ft.lk/top-story/Exports-kick-off-2026-with-highest-January-earnings-in-a-decade/26-788770?utm_source=openai)) - Policy statements have floated a target of pushing coconut exports from **US$ ~850m toward US$ 1 billion+ annually**, which is now close to being realized given recent data. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chathuranga_Abeysinghe?utm_source=openai)) --- **Rubber and rubber‑based products** - **Export earnings trend** - 2024: Export earnings from **rubber and rubber finished products reached US$ 1,001.5 million (+7.7% YoY)** vs 2023, driven by: - **Industrial & surgical gloves +23.1%**, - **Pneumatic & retreaded tyres/tubes +1.4%**. ([rubberworld.com](https://rubberworld.com/sri-lank-rubber-and-finish-products-exports-increase-by-7-in-2024/?utm_source=openai)) - 2025: rubber exports **declined 5.56% to US$ 945.7 million** vs 2024, largely on a **12.76% drop in tyre and tube exports**; gloves and some specialty items held up better. ([lankawebsites.com](https://lankawebsites.com/blog/imports-exports/rubber-exports-from-sri-lanka-trends-markets-and-how-to-get-started?utm_source=openai)) - **Product and market mix** - Portfolio is dominated by **industrial/surgical gloves, tyres & tubes, solid tyres, rubber flooring and industrial goods**. Key markets include **US, EU, Japan, India, South Africa, Thailand**; 2025 commentary notes **growing penetration in India, South Africa and Thailand**, diversifying beyond traditional OECD buyers. ([lankawebsites.com](https://lankawebsites.com/blog/imports-exports/rubber-exports-from-sri-lanka-trends-markets-and-how-to-get-started?utm_source=openai)) - **Price and demand drivers into 2026** - 2025 weakness in tyres aligns with **slower global freight and automotive demand**, as well as margin pressure from cheaper suppliers in ASEAN. Gloves saw steadier demand as global healthcare and industrial safety consumption normalised from post‑COVID highs but remained above pre‑2020 levels. ([lankawebsites.com](https://lankawebsites.com/blog/imports-exports/rubber-exports-from-sri-lanka-trends-markets-and-how-to-get-started?utm_source=openai)) - Policy target remains to grow rubber exports toward **US$ 2 billion** medium term; current ~US$ 0.95–1.0 bn level in 2024–2025 shows a **gap but an underlying up‑trend over the decade**. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubber_production_in_Sri_Lanka?utm_source=openai)) - 2026 outlook: - With Sri Lanka’s total exports up **5.6% in 2025 to ~US$ 17.25 bn**, agricultural exports (tea, coconut, rubber) grew **17.5% YoY in January 2026**, suggesting **rubber exports are recovering alongside wider agri shipments**, though specific 2026 rubber figures are not yet fully published. ([ft.lk](https://www.ft.lk/top-story/Exports-kick-off-2026-with-highest-January-earnings-in-a-decade/26-788770?utm_source=openai)) **Net for DIMENSION 1:** - **Tea:** 2025 was a **volume‑and‑earning recovery year** with flat‑to‑slightly higher dollar prices; early 2026 shows **moderation** in volume and price vs strong 2025 comps. - **Coconut:** **Fastest‑growing cluster**, with **+40–45% export revenue growth** in 2025 on strong production and premium/value‑added demand; momentum appears to continue into 2026. - **Rubber:** **Mixed** – strong 2024, **earnings pulled back ~‑5.6% in 2025**, particularly in tyres; 2026 outlook modestly positive but dependent on global freight/auto cycles and competition. --- === 2. [MARKET EVENTS] === Sri Lanka shipping market 2026 – Colombo port congestion, transshipment shifts, container shortage freight rates 2026 India ASEAN Europe US **Container throughput levels and growth** - **Record year 2025** - Port of Colombo handled **8.29 million TEUs in 2025**, its highest annual throughput on record. This represented **~5–6% YoY growth** over 2024 (varies slightly by source but within this band). ([porttechnology.org](https://www.porttechnology.org/port-of-colombo-sets-throughput-record-in-2025/?utm_source=openai)) - Data from a 2026 South Asia Container Market Report show throughputs (Mn TEUs) and YoY growth: - 2021: 7.79 (+5.8%), - 2022: 8.29 (+6.4%), - 2023: 7.25 (‑12.1%), - 2024: 6.87 (‑5.2%), - 2025: 6.95 (+1.2%) for some components; the same report also acknowledges **record 8.29m TEUs including all terminals**, illustrating differences in coverage (central bank vs port‑wide counting). ([containersindia.in](https://containersindia.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CA-Final-Market-Report-2026.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - **2026 year‑to‑date (Jan–Apr)** - By April 2026, Port of Colombo had handled **2,915,004 TEUs**, a **+13.9% increase** vs the same period in 2025 (2,559,847 TEUs). April alone saw **+22% YoY** throughput growth, indicating **strong momentum in early 2026**. ([ft.lk](https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Colombo-Port-records-22-growth-in-container-throughput-in-April/44-791703?utm_source=openai)) **Colombo’s role in South Asia transshipment** - **Transshipment share** - As of 2025, **transshipment accounted for roughly 75–80% of Colombo’s container throughput**, with domestic (gateway) cargo growing faster but still a minority share. A Central Bank‑based piece notes that between Jan–Oct 2025, **total 6.92m TEUs handled were up 7.1% YoY**, driven by **sharp growth in domestic cargo** while transshipment remained the backbone. ([maritimegateway.com](https://www.maritimegateway.com/stronger-local-trade-drives-colombo-port-throughput-growth-in-2025/?utm_source=openai)) - Transshipment volumes specifically rose **5.1% YoY to 5.52 million TEUs in 2025** (up from 5.25m in 2024), underscoring Colombo’s core function as a **hub for India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Middle East cargo**. ([containersindia.in](https://containersindia.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CA-Final-Market-Report-2026.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - **Competitive and network developments (2025–2026)** - **MSC signed a new terminal service agreement in Dec‑2025** with Sri Lanka Ports Authority, reaffirming commitment to Colombo as a regional hub for its mainline services. ([porttechnology.org](https://www.porttechnology.org/port-of-colombo-sets-throughput-record-in-2025/?utm_source=openai)) - Completion of **East Container Terminal (ECT) and ongoing development of West Container Terminal (WCT)** are expected by **late‑2026**, adding deep‑water capacity and enabling the port to handle “a significantly larger volume of containers” and larger vessels. ([newswire.lk](https://www.newswire.lk/2026/01/02/colombo-port-records-highest-ever-container-volume-in-2025/?utm_source=openai)) - Regional context: Indian ports (Nhava Sheva/JNPA, Mundra, Vizhinjam under construction) are gradually increasing direct calls, but as of 2025–26, Colombo remains the **primary transshipment hub in the northern Indian Ocean**, particularly for East‑West services via the Middle East/Suez and to Southeast Asia. ([containersindia.in](https://containersindia.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CA-Final-Market-Report-2026.pdf?utm_source=openai)) **Congestion, operational performance, and risk environment** - **Current congestion** - There is **no major chronic congestion reported at Colombo in early‑2026**; throughput growth and new infrastructure have generally **reduced turnaround times compared with the post‑COVID and 2022 crisis period**. Instead, the main challenges relate to **global rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope** and **vessel schedule unreliability** due to geopolitical risks, more than local port capacity constraints. ([ft.lk](https://www.ft.lk/business/Supply-disruptions-to-outlast-Mideast-conflict-keeping-import-and-energy-costs-elevated-Expert/34-790085?utm_source=openai)) - **Freight and transit‑time disruptions** - A March 2026 CMA Sri Lanka forum highlighted that **Middle East conflict‑related diversions** are leading to: - **Freight rates “double or triple” on some routes** compared with pre‑crisis levels, - **Extended transit times up to +21 days** when ships reroute via the Cape of Good Hope rather than Suez, - Knock‑on disruptions in **equipment positioning, storage and inland transport**. ([ft.lk](https://www.ft.lk/business/Supply-disruptions-to-outlast-Mideast-conflict-keeping-import-and-energy-costs-elevated-Expert/34-790085?utm_source=openai)) - For Sri Lanka, this means: - Importers/exports see **higher ocean freight and bunker surcharges**, - **Schedule reliability** of vessels calling Colombo is reduced, which complicates export planning (especially for apparel and tea which are time‑sensitive), even if port‑side congestion is manageable. - **Terminal operations and investment signals** - Key terminals: - **JCT & ECT** (SLPA‑operated), - **SAGT** (public‑private), - **CICT** (Adani‑linked, deep‑water). All contributed to the 8.29m TEU record in 2025. ([newswire.lk](https://www.newswire.lk/2026/01/02/colombo-port-records-highest-ever-container-volume-in-2025/?utm_source=openai)) - Investments in **automation, yard equipment and deeper berths** at CICT/ECT and WCT are aimed at: - Securing more **ultra‑large container vessel (ULCV) calls**, - Reducing **berth waiting times** and improving crane productivity, - Positioning Colombo versus emerging Indian deep‑sea hubs. ([ft.lk](https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Colombo-Port-records-22-growth-in-container-throughput-in-April/44-791703?utm_source=openai)) **Net for DIMENSION 2:** - 2025: **record container throughput, modest but positive growth** after a slump in 2023–24; transshipment still **~75–80% of volume**. - 2026 YTD: **double‑digit TEU growth (+13.9% Jan–Apr)**, no structural congestion reported, but **global rerouting and Middle East risks are lengthening transit times and inflating freight costs**. - Capacity additions at **ECT and WCT by 2026** should allow further growth and maintain Colombo’s role as the **primary Indian Ocean transshipment hub**, though competition from Indian ports is structurally rising. --- === 3. [DEMAND SIGNALS] === Sri Lanka exporters’ freight pain points 2026 – container shortages, seasonal/monsoon & labour disruption; apparel and tea buyers’ sourcing shifts *(This dimension is less data‑rich; much comes from trade press, industry forums and macro indicators rather than hard statistics.)* **Freight pain points for Sri Lankan exporters (2025–2026)** - **Freight rate volatility and war‑risk surcharges** - CMA Sri Lanka forum (March 2026) emphasises: - **Container and bulk freight rates have “doubled or tripled” on some routes** due to the Middle East conflict and Suez/Cape rerouting, - This impacts **all export sectors** – apparel, tea, rubber, coconut products – via higher CIF prices and squeezed margins, - Exporters face **months of elevated costs even if hostilities cease quickly**, as capacity and schedules take time to normalise. ([ft.lk](https://www.ft.lk/business/Supply-disruptions-to-outlast-Mideast-conflict-keeping-import-and-energy-costs-elevated-Expert/34-790085?utm_source=openai)) - **Equipment imbalances & container shortages** - While outright shortages are not as extreme as 2021, shipper associations and logistics commentary note **local equipment tightness** in 2025–26 on specific corridors (e.g., **40’ HC boxes to Europe/US**), linked to re‑routing and extended round‑trip times: - Longer voyages via Cape of Good Hope **tie up equipment**, reducing available boxes in Colombo, - Higher repositioning costs are partially passed on to exporters through **equipment imbalance surcharges**. ([ft.lk](https://www.ft.lk/business/Supply-disruptions-to-outlast-Mideast-conflict-keeping-import-and-energy-costs-elevated-Expert/34-790085?utm_source=openai)) - **Schedule unreliability and lead‑time risk** - Middle East and Red Sea disruptions cause **vessel bunching, blank sailings and last‑minute schedule changes** for services calling Colombo, which: - Forces exporters (especially apparel vendors to EU/US brands) to **ship earlier or upgrade from sea to air** on urgent orders, - Increases **inventory and financing costs** as buyers request higher safety stock. ([ft.lk](https://www.ft.lk/business/Supply-disruptions-to-outlast-Mideast-conflict-keeping-import-and-energy-costs-elevated-Expert/34-790085?utm_source=openai)) - **Cost pass‑through challenges** - Many Sri Lankan exporters operate on **FOB contracts** with global buyers; **ocean freight is nominally on buyer’s account**, but: - Buyers push for **discounts or tighter pricing** to offset higher logistics costs, - Some contracts are shifting to **CIF or DDP structures** for value‑added goods, moving more freight risk to exporters and their local forwarders (reported in trade association discussions and logistics press). ([ft.lk](https://www.ft.lk/business/Supply-disruptions-to-outlast-Mideast-conflict-keeping-import-and-energy-costs-elevated-Expert/34-790085?utm_source=openai)) **Seasonal peaks, monsoon and labour disruptions** - **Seasonality and monsoon impacts** - Tea and rubber tapping/processing, as well as coconut harvesting, are **highly seasonal**, with **Southwest and Northeast monsoons** affecting production and inland transport. - 2025–2026 agricultural bulletins note **significant month‑to‑month fluctuations in tea and coconut output**, driven by rainfall variability; exporters report: - **Delayed cargo consolidation** in heavy‑rain months, - Increased use of **buffer stocks in Colombo warehouses** to meet shipment windows when estate roads are flooded. ([cbsl.gov.lk](https://www.cbsl.gov.lk/sites/default/files/cbslweb_documents/statistics/agriculture_data_bulletin_2025_december_e.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - **Labour and port operations** - Periodic labour actions (port and transport unions) and fuel‑price‑related protests remain **latent risks**, but no large‑scale port shutdown has been reported in 2025–early‑2026. - Plantation wage negotiations periodically affect **harvesting intensity and short‑term supply**, particularly in tea; this can **compress shipping windows** when estates rush to move leaf/processed tea once disputes ease. ([dailymirror.lk](https://www.dailymirror.lk/print/business-news/Tea-Industry-Overview-of-2026-First-Quarter/273-339088?utm_source=openai)) **Apparel and tea buyers – sourcing and demand shifts (2025–2026)** - **Macro export demand signals** - Sri Lanka’s **total exports reached ~US$ 17.25 billion in 2025 (+5.6% YoY)**, achieving about **95% of the official US$18.2 bn target**. **Agricultural exports in January 2026 were up 17.5% YoY**, led by tea, coconut, rubber, while textiles/garments remained the largest single category. ([ft.lk](https://www.ft.lk/top-story/Exports-kick-off-2026-with-highest-January-earnings-in-a-decade/26-788770?utm_source=openai)) - This indicates **buyers continue to place orders in Sri Lanka despite freight challenges**, but are adjusting product mix and timelines. - **Apparel buyers** - Apparel is still Sri Lanka’s top export; 2024–2025 data show apparel exports driving the country’s **record US$16.17 bn total exports in 2024 and growth in 2025**. ([publicfinance.lk](https://www.publicfinance.lk/en/topics/export-earnings-hit-all-time-high-of-16-17-b-in-2024-1737937653?utm_source=openai)) - Sourcing trends inferred from trade and brand commentary: - **Nearshoring to Europe** (e.g., Turkey, Eastern Europe, North Africa) and **diversification into other Asian suppliers** (Bangladesh, Vietnam, Cambodia) continue, but Sri Lanka retains a **niche in higher‑value, smaller‑run, compliance‑intensive orders** (lingerie, performance wear, ethical/sustainable lines). - Buyers are negotiating **more flexible lead times and multimodal routings** to manage Red Sea risk (e.g., mixing sea‑air via Dubai or Singapore when delays occur). ([supplychainandlogistics.org](https://supplychainandlogistics.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/annual-review-2026.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - **Tea buyers** - For 2025, global demand for **Orthodox teas** (Sri Lanka’s strength) remained robust: - Total exports +4.74% in volume and +~4.6–5% in value; key markets (Middle East, Russia/CIS, Turkey, Libya) mostly **maintained or increased volumes** despite currency and geopolitical issues. ([ft.lk](https://www.ft.lk/agriculture/Tea-industry-in-2025-An-overview/31-787557?utm_source=openai)) - However, Q1‑2026 saw **lower export volumes (‑4.5% YoY) and weaker average prices**, implying: - Some buyers are **destocking** or **trading down quality/grades**, - Competing origins (Kenya, India) and exchange‑rate shifts are affecting relative prices. ([dailymirror.lk](https://www.dailymirror.lk/print/business-news/Tea-Industry-Overview-of-2026-First-Quarter/273-339088?utm_source=openai)) - Several trade pieces suggest **increased interest in value‑added teas** (packets, tea bags, specialty blends) from markets such as **Latvia, Eastern Europe, and MENA**, though absolute volumes are small; this is a **demand signal for more branded and packaged tea** versus bulk. ([srilankabusiness.com](https://www.srilankabusiness.com/ebooks/export-performance-indicators-of-sri-lanka-2024.pdf?utm_source=openai)) **How these signals intersect for exporters in 2026** - **Margin pressure + working‑capital strain** - Exporters of tea, coconut and rubber are benefitting from **strong or recovering demand**, but: - **Freight rates and surcharges are cutting into FOB margins**, - **Longer transit times** force higher in‑transit and buffer inventories, especially for apparel and time‑sensitive teas, - Access to trade finance and FX stability remain important for managing these extended cash cycles. ([ft.lk](https://www.ft.lk/business/Supply-disruptions-to-outlast-Mideast-conflict-keeping-import-and-energy-costs-elevated-Expert/34-790085?utm_source=openai)) - **Operational responses** - Many Sri Lankan exporters are: - **Consolidating volumes** with a smaller number of preferred carriers/forwarders, - **Re‑timing shipments** ahead of monsoon windows and holiday peaks in destination markets, - Pushing further into **value‑added and premium segments** (organic coconut products, specialty teas, high‑end apparel) where buyers are less price‑elastic and more willing to share logistics costs. ([nutioils.com](https://www.nutioils.com/blog/monitoring-bulletin-november-2025?utm_source=openai)) **Net for DIMENSION 3:** - Pain points in 2026 are driven less by local port congestion and more by **global freight volatility, equipment imbalances and schedule risk**, overlayed on **seasonal production/monsoon variability**. - Apparel and tea buyers are **not exiting Sri Lanka**, but are **tightening prices, diversifying sourcing options, and demanding more reliability and flexibility**; Sri Lankan exporters are responding by **moving up the value chain and adjusting logistics strategies**. Sources: • Tea industry in 2025: An overview | Daily FT https://www.ft.lk/agriculture/Tea-industry-in-2025-An-overview/31-787557?utm_source=openai • Tea industry in 2025: An overview | Daily FT https://www.ft.lk/agriculture/Tea-industry-in-2025-An-overview/31-787557?utm_source=openai • Tea exports up Rs 452-457B-industry - Ceylon Today https://ceylontoday.lk/2026/01/10/tea-exports-up-rs-452-457b-industry/?utm_source=openai • Tea export volume up 7% YoY in January; average FOB up 5.6% | Daily FT https://www.ft.lk/business/Tea-export-volume-up-7--YoY-in-January--average-FOB-up-5-6-/34-788845?utm_source=openai • Daily Mirror - Sri Lanka Latest Breaking News and Headlines - Print Edition Tea Industry Overview of 2026 First Quarter https://www.dailymirror.lk/print/business-news/Tea-Industry-Overview-of-2026-First-Quarter/273-339088?utm_source=openai • Tea industry in 2025: An overview | Daily FT https://www.ft.lk/agriculture/Tea-industry-in-2025-An-overview/31-787557?utm_source=openai • Tea exports up Rs 452-457B-industry - Ceylon Today https://ceylontoday.lk/2026/01/10/tea-exports-up-rs-452-457b-industry/?utm_source=openai • Table 01 EXPORT PERFORMANCE OF COCONUT PRODUCTS - https://www.cda.gov.lk/web/images/pdf/export_perfo/2025/2025_MON_BULLETIN_OCT_-_T1.pdf?utm_source=openai • Nutioils - Premium Sri Lankan Coconut Products | Virgin Coconut Oil https://www.nutioils.com/blog/monitoring-bulletin-november-2025?utm_source=openai • 2024 National Accounts of Sri Lanka Department https://www.statistics.gov.lk/Resource/en/NationalAccounts/2010/reports/AnnualReports/Annual2024.pdf?utm_source=openai • Economic Research Department https://www.cbsl.gov.lk/sites/default/files/cbslweb_documents/statistics/agriculture_data_bulletin_2025_december_e.pdf?utm_source=openai • Coconut Development Authority https://cda.gov.lk/web/index.php?id=16&lang=en&option=com_content&view=article&utm_source=openai • The Cocommunity Monthly Newsletter of the Internat https://coconutcommunity.org/files/document/20250602150028pub-cocommunity-newsletter.pdf?utm_source=openai • Exports kick off 2026 with highest January earnings in a decade | Daily FT https://www.ft.lk/top-story/Exports-kick-off-2026-with-highest-January-earnings-in-a-decade/26-788770?utm_source=openai • Chathuranga Abeysinghe https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chathuranga_Abeysinghe?utm_source=openai • Sri Lank rubber and finish products exports increase by 7 percent in 2024 - Rubber World - The Technical Service Magazine for the Rubber Industry https://rubberworld.com/sri-lank-rubber-and-finish-products-exports-increase-by-7-in-2024/?utm_source=openai • Rubber Exports from Sri Lanka: Trends, Markets, and How to G... | Lanka Websites https://lankawebsites.com/blog/imports-exports/rubber-exports-from-sri-lanka-trends-markets-and-how-to-get-started?utm_source=openai • Rubber Exports from Sri Lanka: Trends, Markets, and How to G... | Lanka Websites https://lankawebsites.com/blog/imports-exports/rubber-exports-from-sri-lanka-trends-markets-and-how-to-get-started?utm_source=openai • Rubber Exports from Sri Lanka: Trends, Markets, and How to G... | Lanka Websites https://lankawebsites.com/blog/imports-exports/rubber-exports-from-sri-lanka-trends-markets-and-how-to-get-started?utm_source=openai • Rubber production in Sri Lanka https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubber_production_in_Sri_Lanka?utm_source=openai • Exports kick off 2026 with highest January earnings in a decade | Daily FT https://www.ft.lk/top-story/Exports-kick-off-2026-with-highest-January-earnings-in-a-decade/26-788770?utm_source=openai • Port of Colombo sets throughput record in 2025 - Port Technology International https://www.porttechnology.org/port-of-colombo-sets-throughput-record-in-2025/?utm_source=openai • 2026 SOUTH ASIA CONTAINER MARKET REPORT 2026 Spo https://containersindia.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CA-Final-Market-Report-2026.pdf?utm_source=openai • Colombo Port records 22% growth in container throughput in April | Daily FT https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Colombo-Port-records-22-growth-in-container-throughput-in-April/44-791703?utm_source=openai • Stronger local trade drives Colombo Port throughput growth in 2025 | Maritime Gateway https://www.maritimegateway.com/stronger-local-trade-drives-colombo-port-throughput-growth-in-2025/?utm_source=openai • 2026 SOUTH ASIA CONTAINER MARKET REPORT 2026 Spo https://containersindia.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CA-Final-Market-Report-2026.pdf?utm_source=openai • Port of Colombo sets throughput record in 2025 - Port Technology International https://www.porttechnology.org/port-of-colombo-sets-throughput-record-in-2025/?utm_source=openai • Colombo Port records highest-ever container volume in 2025 - Newswire https://www.newswire.lk/2026/01/02/colombo-port-records-highest-ever-container-volume-in-2025/?utm_source=openai • Colombo Port records 22% growth in container throughput in April | Daily FT https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Colombo-Port-records-22-growth-in-container-throughput-in-April/44-791703?utm_source=openai • Supply disruptions to outlast Mideast conflict, keeping import and energy costs elevated: Expert | Daily FT https://www.ft.lk/business/Supply-disruptions-to-outlast-Mideast-conflict-keeping-import-and-energy-costs-elevated-Expert/34-790085?utm_source=openai • Supply disruptions to outlast Mideast conflict, keeping import and energy costs elevated: Expert | Daily FT https://www.ft.lk/business/Supply-disruptions-to-outlast-Mideast-conflict-keeping-import-and-energy-costs-elevated-Expert/34-790085?utm_source=openai