India exported 25.47 crore kg of tea in 2024, up 9.92% from 2023, but early 2025 data shows regional production shifts.
India’s tea exports recorded strong growth in 2024, rising 9.92% year-on-year, according to the Tea Board of India. The country exported 25.47 crore kilograms of tea from January to December 2024, up from 23.17 crore kilograms in 2023, reflecting a positive trend amid fluctuating global demand.
Improved production played a key role in the surge. North India led the output with a 9.79% increase, reaching 15.48 crore kilograms in 2024. South India followed closely, producing 9.99 crore kilograms—a 10.11% rise over the previous year.
However, early 2025 production data shows a mixed outlook. From January to March, all-India tea production stood at 6.92 crore kilograms, slightly higher than 6.75 crore kilograms in the same period of 2024.
This growth was driven by a sharp 14.38% rise in North India’s output. In contrast, South India saw a significant 14.38% decline, producing only 2.39 crore kilograms.
Sustaining export momentum while addressing regional disparities remains the sector’s key challenge.
Source: Business Line
