Tea exports continue to fall .

Chennai, June 9 Tea exports continued to decline, while production dropped 17 per cent in April compared with the same period a year ago.

According to data from the Tea Board, exports in April were down at 11.36 million kg (mkg) against 11.89 mkg last April. For the calendar year, exports are down 12.57 mkg at 50.26 mkg.

Exports are down basically since domestic prices are ruling stronger due to internal demand.

Production in April declined to 62.6 mkg (80 mkg).

For the calendar year, the output has declined 25.6 mkg to 144.4 mkg. Production has been affected in Assam — down 50 per cent — particularly due to a prolonged dry weather. The dry weather also affected output in the South.