January-December 2025 period shows that India exported 280.40 million kilograms of tea, up from 256.17 million kilograms in the same period of 2024. Export earnings also rose significantly to Rs 8,488.43 crore (US$ 102.3 million), compared with Rs 7,167.41 crore (US$ 86.4 million) a year earlier. This is the highest level of tea exports recorded by India.

The growth was largely driven by the gain in orthodox exports, with CTC exports remaining stagnant.

Exports to Iraq rose to 52.59 million kilograms in 2025 from 40.47 million kilograms in 2024. Shipments to the UAE increased to 50.71 million kilograms from 43.48 million kilograms. China emerged as a major surprise market. Indian tea exports to China surged to 16.13 million kilograms in 2025, compared with just 6.24 million kilograms in 2024.

Source: Africa Business News (Extracts), Courtesy: Tea Exporters' Association Sri Lanka