India’s tea exports grew 6.5% in January–October, reaching 228.52 million kg

By Admin

11 Dec, 2025

India’s tea industry has delivered a strong export performance in the January–October period of the current year, posting a 6.47% growth in shipments, despite production challenges and regional supply fluctuations. According to provisional estimates from the Tea Board, the country exported 228.52 million kg of tea, up from 214.64 million kg during the same period last year, driven by robust demand from key markets such as the UAE and Iraq.

Growing Export Value Despite Regional Pressures

What makes this growth more significant is the surge in export value. Tea shipments during January–October were valued at ₹6882.91 crore, an impressive 18% rise over last year’s ₹5831.1 crore. This jump has been supported by higher realisations, reflecting stronger global pricing trends for Indian tea.

The unit price realisation witnessed a notable increase of 10.87%, reaching ₹301.20 per kg, compared to ₹271.67 per kg in the previous year. This indicates that the market is willing to pay more for Indian tea despite supply challenges in certain regions.

North India Drives Export Momentum

A major contributor to this growth has been North India, where export volumes rose a remarkable 19.55%, clocking 153.22 million kg compared to last year’s 128.16 million kg. In value terms, the performance was even stronger, with earnings rising around 27% to ₹4959.49 crore, up from ₹3907.81 crore.
This growth highlights the strong global preference for teas from Assam, Darjeeling, and Dooars, traditionally known for their flavour and quality.

Decline in South Indian Shipments

In contrast, South Indian tea shipments were impacted by adverse weather conditions and market dynamics. Export volumes dipped 13% to 75.30 million kg, compared to 86.48 million kg last year.
Despite this fall in quantity, export value remained stable at ₹1923.42 crore, indicating better price realisation even in the face of reduced supply.

India’s Overall Tea Performance in 2024

Earlier in 2024, India recorded total tea exports of 256.17 million kg, up 11% from 231.69 million kg in the previous year. The value of shipments rose 16.34% to ₹7167.41 crore, showcasing a steady upward trajectory in global demand for Indian tea.

Weather-Driven Decline in Production

However, the industry faced a significant setback in production during the ongoing year. India’s tea output in October 2025 fell by 21%, dropping to 161.93 million kg from 205.77 million kg in the same month last year.
Both North and South India’s plantations encountered erratic rainfall, temperature fluctuations, and pest-related issues, resulting in reduced yields and heightened supply pressure.

Outlook for the Tea Sector

The latest figures reveal that even in the face of production volatility, India’s tea exports have remained resilient, supported by rising global demand and favourable pricing. With export value climbing faster than volume, the industry appears well-positioned to continue its upward trend provided weather conditions stabilise and regional production challenges are addressed.

As global interest in premium Indian tea varieties grows, the sector is expected to maintain its significance in the country’s agri-export basket in the coming years.