Tea exports reach an all-time high of 240.7 million kg in 2017

The Dollar Business Bureau

Tea exports from India have touched an all-time high of 240.7 million kilograms, in 36 years, during the calendar year 2017, according to data by Tea Board.

“India has achieved the highest tea exports during the calendar year 2017 (Jan–Dec) after 36 years, pegged at 240.68 million kilograms. The previous record was in 1981 when the total tea exports reached 241.25 million kilograms,” Tea Board said in a statement.

During 2017, exports of tea recorded a growth of 8.2%, an increase of 18.23 million kilograms, as compared to 2016.

“The total value of exports during 2017 stood at Rs.4731.66 crores, increasing by Rs.263.55 crores – a growth of 5.90% over a year ago, the Board said.

“Similarly, in dollar terms, the total value of the exports was $726.76 million, recording an increase of $61.60 million (9.26%) as compared to last year,” it said.

Region-wise, the exports of tea from north India reached 148.41 million kilograms (valuing $501.18 million) in 2017, as compared to 133.60 million kilograms (valuing $456.18 million) in the year 2016.

From south India, the exports were stood at 92.27 million kilograms (worth $225.58) during the January-December 2017, from 88.85 million kilograms (worth $208.98) in the preceding year.

The countries that have shown significant increase in exports during 2017 over a year ago were Egypt with 166% increase (by 6.16 million kilograms), Sri Lanka with 84% increase (by 1.79 million kilograms), China with 50% growth (by 2.8 million kilograms) Iran with 17% (4.15 million kilograms more), and the UAE with 11.62% increase (1.97 million kilograms more).