India's Tea Industry
Production, Exports, and Competitive Challenges
India is one of the world's largest tea producers and a historically dominant global exporter, but its export market share has declined as competitors — especially Kenya — have grown aggressively in global markets, and domestic consumption has absorbed a growing share of production.
- India's tea production: approximately 1,300-1,350 million kg annually (FY 2024-25) — second largest after China.
- Major producing states: Assam (~55% of production), West Bengal (~25% — Darjeeling, Dooars), Tamil Nadu and Kerala (~10%), and Himachal Pradesh/Uttarakhand (small volumes of specialty teas).
- India's tea exports: approximately 230-250 million kg annually — exports have been declining as domestic consumption rises. Key markets: Russia, UAE, Iran, USA, UK.
- Global competition: Kenya is India's primary competitor in the international bulk tea (CTC — Crush, Tear, Curl) market; Kenyan tea typically commands lower prices due to year-round production and lower labour costs.
- India's Geographical Indications (GIs): Darjeeling Tea was India's first GI-tagged product (registered 2004-05 under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999). Assam Tea and Nilgiri Tea are also GI-tagged.
- Plantation Labour: Tea estates employ ~1.2 million plantation workers — among the few industries covered by the Plantations Labour Act, 1951, which mandates housing, medical, and welfare facilities for estate workers.
● Tracked since February 10, 2026 · last seen July 05, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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