Introduction
India is the second-largest producer of tea globally. Indian tea is one of the finest in the world owing to strong geographical indications, heavy investment in tea processing units, continuous innovation, augmented product mix, and strategic market expansion. As of 2022, a total of 6.19 lakh hectares of area was cultivated in India for tea production. India is also among the world's top tea-consuming countries, with 80% of the tea produced in the country consumed by the domestic population. In FY24, India’s tea production stood at 1,382.03 million kgs, compared to 1,374.97 million kg in FY23, whereas during FY25 (April-December) production stood at 1,186.62 million kgs.
The Assam Valley and Cachar are the two tea-producing regions in Assam. In West Bengal, Dooars, Terai and Darjeeling are the three major tea producer regions. The southern part of India produces about 17% of the country's total production with the major producing states being Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.
Export Trend - Total Product
India is among the top 5 tea exporters in the world making about 10% of the total exports. From April-December 2024, the total value of tea exports from India stood at US$ 627.36 million. Indian Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri tea are considered one of the finest in the world. Majority of the tea exported out of India is black tea which makes up about 96% of the total exports. The types of tea exported through India are black tea, regular tea, green tea, herbal tea, masala tea and lemon tea. Out of these, black tea, regular tea, and green tea make up approximately 80%, 16% and 3.5% of the total tea exported from India.
India's total tea exports during FY24 in quantity were 250.73 million kg and worth US$ 776 million. During the FY25 (April-December), quantity of India’s total tea exports stood at 187.14 million kg worth US$ 627.36 million. In FY24, the unit price of tea was US$ 3.10 per kg, whereas during FY25 (April-December) the unit price stood at US$ 3.36 per kg.
Export by Country
India exports tea to more than 25 countries throughout the world. Russia, Iran, UAE, USA, the UK, Germany, and China are some of the major importers of tea from India. During FY25 (April-December) UAE, USA, Iraq, UK and Russia imported US$ 123.31 million, US$ 70.97 million, US$ 61.2 million, US$ 51.40 million and US$ 51.29 million of tea from India, respectively. UAE, USA, Iraq, UK and Russia are India's top 5 tea export destinations with a share of about 17.90%, 10.30%, 8.93%, 7.46% and 7.45% of total export, respectively.
During FY23, the exports to USA, Russia, Iran, UAE, and UK rose to 89%, 121%, 65%,195% and 103% respectively. Some of India's other tea export destinations are Poland, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Japan, Pakistan, and Australia, etc.
Government Initiatives
To help the Indian exporters to market tea of Indian origin in overseas markets on a sustained basis, the Tea Board of India started a scheme: Promotion for packaged tea of Indian origin. The scheme assists in promotional campaigns - up to 25% of the cost reimbursement, display in international departmental stores, product literature and website development, and inspection charges reimbursement of up to 25% of the charges.
The Tea Board also provides subsidies to domestic exporters to participate in international fairs and exhibitions. The aim is to provide a platform for exporters to showcase their products at international events for promotion.
Tea Development and Promotion Scheme
This scheme was launched in November 2021 by the Tea Board of India for the period of 2021-26. The objective of this scheme is to enhance the productivity and quality of tea production in India. There are seven important components to this scheme,
- Plantation development of small tea farmers
- Creation of sector-specific action plan for North-East India
- Supporting the tea producers and traders in market promotion activities
- Worker's welfare
- Research and development activities
- Regulatory reforms
- Establishment expenses
Governing Body - Tea Board of India
The Tea Board of India was set up in 1953 for the development of the tea industry in India. It started functioning in 1954. The board is located in Kolkata and has 17 offices across India. Being the regulatory body, the board exerts control over the producers, manufacturers, exporters, tea brokers, auction organizers and warehouse keepers through various control orders notified under the Tea Act. The responsibilities of the board are increasing production and productivity, improving the quality of tea, market promotion, and welfare measures for plantation workers, and supporting research and development.
Besides the development and regulatory framework, the Tea Board of India also undertakes direct promotional activities, including organizing joint participation in international fairs and exhibitions, arranging buyer and seller meets, and sending & hosting trade delegations. It also conducts market surveys, analyses, identifies, tracks consumer behaviour, and provides relevant and accurate information to importers and exporters.
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1 - 14, B.T.M. Sarani
(Brabourne Road)
Kolkata - 700001
West Bengal
India
Tel.:+91-33-22351411 (11 Lines)
Fax: +91-33-22215715
Email: tboardcp@cal3.vsnl.net.in
Website: www.teaboard.gov.in
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