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Bangalore Nov. 3 Strong demand from emerging markets such as Egypt, Russia and Pakistan would see tea exports grow to about 210 million kg this year, according to the United Planters Association of South India (Upasi).

“We expect tea exports to be higher than last year at between 205 and 210 million kg for 2008,” said Mr D.P. Maheshwari, President of Upasi. A decline in output in Kenya has helped India attract buyers such as Egypt and Pakistan. Also, India has started producing more orthodox teas that are more in demand in the export market.

Tea exports slumped to 156.8 million kg in 2007, mainly due to the fall in exports to Iraq. “We are already ahead by 17-18 million kg in the current year,” said Mr Maheshwari, also managing director of Jay Shree Tea and Industries Ltd, B.K.Birla Group.

Tea exports during January-August grew by 16 per cent to 124 million kg (106.6 million kg in the same period in 2007) in volume terms. In value terms, the exports grew by a fifth to Rs 1,314 crore for the January-August period as compared to Rs 1099.4 crore in the corresponding period last year.

Mr Ullas Menon, secretary-general, Upasi, said the joint promotional efforts by the planters’ body and the Tea Board, especially in countries such as Egypt, have started paying off. “Exports to Egypt will be 15-20 million kg this year as compared to 5 million kg in 2007,” he said.

Domestic tea prices, which are on an upward curve, grew to Rs 56.54 a kg in 2008 compared to Rs 53.71 a kg in 2007.

“We expect prices to stay firm and move up from the current levels,” Mr Maheshwari said, adding the uncertainty witnessed in the coffee sector was not there in tea.

More Stories on : Tea | Exports & Imports

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