Importation of cinnamon to Sri Lanka is prohibited and considering the importance of reviewing the re-export procedure, to appoint a Committee of Officials to amend the ‘Temporary Importation for Export Processing’ procedure, was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers, said Minister of Parliamentary Reforms and Mass Media Gayantha Karunathilaka.
Ceylon Cinnamon has been praised in world market due to its unique taste, colour and smell. However, re-exporting of cinnamon of other countries from Sri Lanka has been reported recently which has caused unfavourable situation on Ceylon Cinnamon. Accordingly, the proposal was made by Daya Gamage, Minister of Primary Industries.
USA and Mexico are the main markets for Ceylon Cinnamon. Colombia, Peru, Spain, Guatemala Chile and Bolivia are the other countries which consume a considerable amount of cinnamon. Sri Lanka has immense potential to penetrate into niche markets. Sri Lanka is the number one exporter and enjoys a market share of 28.5%.