From Cups At Home To Second-Largest Exporter: India Exports 254 Million Kg Tea, Surpasses Sri Lanka

India has surpassed Sri Lanka to become the world’s second-largest tea exporter with a record 255 million kg export in 2024, According to Tea Board of India data. Meanwhile, Kenya remains at the top spot.

As per the IBEF report dated October 2024, India, one of the top tea-consuming countries globally, consumes about 80 per cent of the tea it produces. Despite high domestic consumption, the country is among the top five tea exporters in the world and contributes about 10 per cent to global tea exports.

Assam Valley, Cachar in Assam, Dooars, Terai, Darjeeling in West Bengal, and regions in Tamil Nadu, Kerala , and Karnataka are the key tea-producing regions in India. Together these regions produce a wide range of teas, including black tea (80 per cent of exports), regular tea (16 per cent), and green tea (3.5 per cent).

Economic Impact and Export Growth

India’s tea exports have seen a 10-year high, up 10 per cent from 231.69 million kg in 2023 to 255 million kg in 2024. The export value has also grown 15 per cent to Rs 7,111 crores on account of higher prices. This growth has been driven by increased shipments to key markets like Iraq, the UAE, Iran, Russia, the USA, and the UK.

Iraq alone accounted for 20 per cent of the exports and is expected to see higher shipment volumes in the coming fiscal year.

Strengthening the Supply Chain

The Government of India, through the Tea Board, has taken several steps to increase production, improve quality, and support the welfare of those in the tea industry. Small tea growers (STGs), who now contribute 52 per cent of the country’s total tea production, are an important part of the supply chain.

Initiatives like the formation of Self Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) have empowered over 2.3 lakh small growers.

Assistance in the procurement of pruning machines, training programs, and mini tea factories has been given to encourage entrepreneurship and create jobs.

1.16 Million Workers 

India’s tea industry directly employs 1.16 million workers, with an equal number indirectly associated with it. The government continues to focus on the well-being of these workers and their families while promoting the growth of global Indian tea.

A global favorite Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri are the famous varieties of Indian tea. Black tea is the major export component, 96 per cent of the total exports. Green tea, herbal tea, masala tea, and lemon tea are also finding their space in international markets.

(With inputs from IANS)