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Failing to meet the target of 200 million kg tea export set for 2010, shipments of the beverage from India actually declined by 2.4 per cent to 193.3 million kg during the period in sync with dip in production. According to data released by Tea Board, India had achieved 198 million kg tea exports in 2009.
“Tea exports have fallen this time as a result of lower production, particularly of the premium Assam variety, and subdued demand from major importing countries,” said Mr Sujit Patra, Joint Secretary, Indian Tea Association.
India’s tea output declined by 1.3 per cent to 966.4 million kg in 2010 as against 979 million kg in the year-ago period due to a drop in output in Assam, on account of adverse weather and pest attacks.
The fall in exports is indicative of its losing ground to other major producers like Sri Lanka for the orthodox variety and Kenya for CTC tea. Meanwhile, exports of tea from India to Pakistan are on the rise and that too by a phenomenal margin.
In 2010, India registered exports of 20 million kg tea to Pakistan from just around 5-6 million kg a year—ago.
“In Russia also, our exports are rising. This time we are expecting to export about 40—45 million kg. Besides, an export to Iran is also set to be 15 million kg,” said Mr Patra.
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