The tea export sector experienced a 1.65% decrease, reaching 182.69 million kilograms from January to October 2023, compared to 185.75 million kilograms in the corresponding period the previous year.
According to data from the Tea Board, North India's exports during the first ten months of 2023 dipped to 110.33 million kilograms, marking a 4.62% decline from the same period last year. In contrast, South India saw a 3.25% increase, with exports reaching 72.36 million kilograms during the same period.
In the calendar year 2022, tea exports totaled 231.08 million kilograms, indicating a substantial 17.57% rise from 2021's figure of 196.54 million kilograms.
Industry sources reveal a challenging export landscape, attributing the slump to complications in shipments to Iran due to payment issues. Traditionally importing 20% of India's tea, Iran's imports have nearly ceased. Efforts are underway to explore alternative markets, with the UAE emerging as the second-largest importer after the CIS block.
Tea Board data indicates a higher estimated production of tea in October 2023 across the country, reaching 182.84 million kilograms, up from 163.15 million kilograms in the same month of 2022.