New Delhi: Every Indian swears by their cup of chai. Whether it’s the morning ritual of sipping a steaming cup of tea or the evening gossip session over roadside kulhads, tea is deeply embedded in India’s culture. Now, this beloved beverage has helped India achieve a historic milestone in the global tea market. According to the latest data from the Tea Board of India, the country has surpassed Sri Lanka to become the world’s second-largest tea exporter, shipping a record-breaking 254 million kg of tea in 2024. This marks a significant leap from the 231.69 million kg exported in 2023 and represents a 10-year high despite global market fluctuations.
India’s tea exports not only grew in volume but also in value. The total export revenue surged by 15% to Rs 7,111 crore in 2024, compared to Rs 6,161 crore the previous year. This growth was driven by a combination of higher demand and improved pricing in the international market. While Kenya continues to dominate as the world’s largest tea exporter, India’s steady climb reinforces its status as a major global player.
A crucial factor in this remarkable growth is India’s strong presence in key markets. The country exports tea to over 25 nations, with the largest buyers being the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Iraq, Iran, Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Among these, Iraq emerged as a particularly strong market, accounting for nearly 20% of India’s total tea exports. With the rising demand, Indian exporters anticipate sending between 40 to 50 million kg of tea to Iraq in the coming fiscal year. The country’s tea producers also capitalized on market openings in West Asia, stepping in to meet demand when Sri Lanka faced production challenges, further solidifying India’s footprint in the region.
India’s tea industry is known for its diverse and high-quality varieties, including the world-famous Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri teas. Black tea remains the undisputed leader, making up 96% of total exports, while other varieties such as green tea, herbal tea, masala tea, and lemon tea are also finding their niche in global markets. The country’s tea production spans multiple regions, with Assam leading the charge, followed by key areas in West Bengal like Darjeeling, Dooars, and Terai. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka collectively contribute around 17% of the total tea output, making South India a significant player in the industry.
A driving force behind India’s growing tea exports is the contribution of small tea growers (STGs), who now account for 52% of the nation’s total production. With approximately 2.3 lakh small tea growers actively involved in cultivation, the government and the Tea Board of India have implemented various initiatives to support them. These include the formation of 352 Self-Help Groups (SHGs), 440 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and 17 Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), all aimed at empowering small-scale tea farmers. Training programs focused on quality plucking, crop management, and capacity building have been instrumental in enhancing productivity. Additionally, the provision of pruning machines, mechanical harvesters, and the establishment of mini tea factories have encouraged entrepreneurship while creating new employment opportunities.
Beyond its economic significance, the tea industry is a lifeline for millions of Indians. It directly employs 1.16 million workers, with an equal number engaged in indirect roles. In many rural communities, tea plantations are the backbone of local economies, providing steady incomes and livelihoods to countless families. The government continues to focus on the welfare of tea workers by introducing policies that enhance their living and working conditions.
India’s ascent as the world’s second-largest tea exporter is a testament to the resilience and strength of its tea industry. With continued government support, expanding global markets, and a commitment to quality production, India is well-positioned to further solidify its role in the global tea trade. As the country raises a toast to this achievement, one thing is certain - India’s tea story is far from over, and the world will keep sipping on its success.
/BI/
