India exported 280 million kilograms of tea in the last financial year, marking the highest-ever export figure, according to Tea Board Deputy Chairman C Murugan.
He also clarified that the Jorhat Tea Auction Centre has not been shut down and will resume operations soon.
Speaking on the overall tea industry scenario, Murugan said the outlook remains positive. He noted that a significant portion of India’s tea exports last year went to countries such as Iran, Iraq, United Arab Emirates, and nations of the former Soviet Union. Russia continues to be a traditional importer of Indian tea, and the Tea Board maintains an office in Moscow to support trade.
Exports to Iran, however, have been impacted by the ongoing conflict in West Asia, prompting exporters to explore alternative markets. Murugan revealed that China has recently started importing Indian tea. While China is a major tea producer, it mainly produces green tea and is now importing orthodox and CTC varieties from India.
He also highlighted that Darjeeling tea continues to enjoy a premium status in the global market.
Addressing competition, Murugan acknowledged that Indian tea faces challenges from Kenya and Sri Lanka, where production costs are significantly lower, allowing them to offer tea at more competitive prices.
On tea imports into India, he said some companies import tea for blending purposes, which is legally permitted.
Regarding production this year, Murugan said the plucking season has just begun, and the Tea Board is optimistic about a good yield. Production in North Bengal has been strong, although a significant increase in output could lead to a decline in prices.
Responding to concerns over the Jorhat Tea Auction Centre, Murugan reiterated that it has not been closed. He explained that operations were temporarily halted as the contract with the previous vendor ended and was not renewed.
The Tea Board has floated new tenders to standardize operations across all seven tea auction centres in the country. A new vendor is expected to take charge from August, when the Jorhat centre will also resume functioning.
