Indian tea industry's exports jump 10% to 255 million kg, total export value surges 15% in 2024

India exported nearly 255 million kg tea worth Rs 7,111 crore in 2024. This marks a jump of nearly 10 percent from the 232 million kg tea exports recorded in 2023. The export value meanwhile rose over 15 percent year-on-year from Rs 6,161 crore in 2023.

Mohit Agarwal, the director of Asian Tea, highlighted the positive uptrend in the tea industry. "There were two major highlights for the tea industry in season 2024 - a 10 per cent rise in the exports of Indian teas to reach a near-decade high of 255 million kgs and a drop of 110 million kgs in the Indian tea production. Both combined had a very positive impact on the profitability of Indian tea producers as the prices of Assam and West Bengal teas rose 20 per cent for the leaf category and 26 per cent for the dust category of teas. This has given a breath of new life to the Indian tea producers and the ailing tea Industry," he was quoted as saying by The Economic Times.

Agarwal further said that Indian tea has gained more market share in CIS countries, US and the middle east, positively impacting its growth. "Strict Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) compliance and early closure of tea estates in Assam and West Bengal in November end helped reduce the oversupply of teas thereby creating a demand-supply equilibrium. Though exports are expected to remain on track in 2025, especially for the premium hand-rolled orthodox variety, the crops are expected to be higher than 2024 which might soften the prices a bit," he was quoted as saying by the publication.