Key Highlights
- Export volume rose 2.85% to 257.88 million kg, driven mainly by North India.
- Average price per kilogram climbed 12.65%, from ₹258.30 to ₹290.97.
- South India saw a 4.92% decline, yet overall balance improved in calendar year.
- The uptick reflects sustained global demand and improved quality standards.
- Regional disparities highlight Assam and West Bengal as pivotal contributors.
Detailed Insights
India, a perennial powerhouse in the global tea market, recorded a modest yet meaningful increase in export volume during FY 2024–25. The Tea Board of India reports a 2.85% rise, taking the total to 257.88 million kg from 250.73 million kg the previous fiscal year. This growth is largely attributable to the North Indian states, where exports surged by 8.15%, whereas the South experienced a 4.92% contraction.
Price dynamics further underscore the sector’s resilience. The average export price per kilogram jumped 12.65%, moving from ₹258.30 in FY 2023–24 to ₹290.97 in FY 2024–25. Such a leap signals not only better price realization but also a shift toward higher‑quality, value‑added products that command premium rates in international markets.
When viewed through a calendar‑year lens, the picture becomes even more balanced. Exports in 2024 rose by 10.57% to 256.17 million kg, with North India contributing 155.49 million kg (10.28% growth) and South India 100.68 million kg (11.02% growth). This balanced performance mitigates fiscal‑year volatility and showcases the sector’s adaptability.
The implications of these trends are far‑reaching. Enhanced export value per kilogram translates into higher revenue for producers, bolsters rural incomes, and strengthens foreign‑exchange earnings. For regions like Assam and West Bengal, where tea cultivation is a primary livelihood, the gains are particularly significant.