India’s tea exports touched a record high in 2025, rising 9.5% year-on-year to 280.4 million kg, driven by strong demand from Iraq and a sharp surge in shipments to China, despite tariff disruptions in key markets. The growth offered relief to the plantation sector, which has faced volatile prices and rising input costs. Iraq emerged as the largest buyer, accounting for nearly one-fifth of exports, while the UAE ranked second, partly acting as a re-export hub. Exports to China more than doubled to 16.13 million kg, reflecting rising demand for Indian black and orthodox teas in a traditionally green tea-dominated market.
Industry officials credited exporters’ diversification efforts for sustaining growth amid geopolitical uncertainty. The Tea Board plans promotional campaigns and trade shows in China and is targeting new markets in North Africa and Afghanistan.
Although US tariffs briefly hit shipments, tea now attracts zero duty there. However, exporters remain cautious about stricter food safety norms in the EU and UK, which could pose challenges for conventional tea exports in the coming year.
India Ships Record 280 kg of Tea in 2025 Despite Global Trade Shocks
