NEW DELHI, Feb 9 : India posted its highest-ever tea exports in 2025, driven by robust buying from West Asian markets like Iran and Iraq, along with a sharp pickup in demand from China, according to provisional data from the Tea Board of India.
India exported 280.40 million kg of tea during the January-December 2025 period, up from 256.17 million kg in the same period a year earlier.
Export earnings also rose significantly to Rs 8,488.43 crore, compared with Rs 7,167.41 crore in January-December 2024.
Country-wise data sourced from the industry shows a notable increase in offtake from the UAE, Iraq and China, while shipments to Russia and the US declined.
Exports to Iraq surged to 52.59 million kg in 2025 from 40.47 million kg in the previous year. Shipments to the UAE rose to 50.71 million kg from 43.48 million kg.
Iran imported 11.25 million kg in 2025, up from 9.25 million kg in 2024, although industry sources note that a large share of tea destined for Iran is routed through the UAE, a key re-export hub.
The biggest surprise was China where Indian tea exports jumped to 16.13 million kg in 2025, more than double the 6.24 million kg recorded in the same period last year.
In contrast, exports to the US declined to 15.21 million kg in 2025 from 17.14 million kg in 2024.
However, industry participants remain optimistic that the proposed India-US trade deal could significantly boost volumes going forward.
While the Trump administration’s November decision to exempt food items, including tea, was seen as positive, the sector faced disruptions for several months, tempering near-term gains.
(UNI)
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