Tea exports from India rise by 9.92% at 254.67 million kg in CY2024

By Admin

12 Jun, 2025

India’s tea industry has witnessed a notable resurgence in 2024, with tea exports rising by 9.92%, reaching 254.67 million kilograms from January to December 2024. This is a significant increase compared to 231.69 million kilograms exported during the same period in 2023, according to the latest data released by the Tea Board of India.

Northern Tea Estates Show Robust Growth

The north Indian tea-growing regions have played a critical role in this growth story. In 2024, production in these estates reached 154.81 million kilograms, marking a 9.79% year-on-year increase from 141 million kilograms in 2023. This rise reflects improved agro-climatic conditions, better yield management, and continued efforts toward enhancing tea quality and output.

Southern India: Strong Annual Growth, but a Q1 2025 Dip

South India, which also contributes significantly to the country’s tea production, saw an impressive 10.11% rise in production volumes for CY2024. The total output stood at 99.86 million kilograms, compared to 90.69 million kilograms in the previous year.

However, provisional data for January–March 2025 indicates a mixed start to the new year. While all-India production saw a marginal increase to 69.22 million kilograms compared to 67.53 million kilograms in the same period of 2024, regional performance varied significantly.

• North India recorded a 14.38% year-on-year increase in Q1 2025, producing 45.35 million kilograms versus 39.65 million kilograms in the same quarter last year.
  
  

• In contrast, South India's tea output declined by 14.38%, with volumes dropping to 23.87 million kilograms in Q1 2025, down from 27.88 million kilograms in the same period in 2024.
  
  

What This Means for the Indian Tea Sector

The growth in tea exports and domestic production in 2024 signals a healthy trajectory for the Indian tea sector, reaffirming its global competitiveness. However, the fluctuating performance in early 2025, particularly in South India, highlights the need for continuous investment in sustainable practices, climate resilience, and market diversification.