Tea exports from India, the second largest producer in the world, rose about 10 per cent in 2008 to 196.03 million kg, riding lower output in the largest tea exporting nation Kenya, and high prices, while output rose about four per cent to 981 million kg.
According to the Tea Board, exports increased to 196.03 million kg in calender year 2008, compared with 178.75 million kg the previous year while shipments in December rose to 20.51 million kg against 18.38 million kg a year ago.
India's tea exports continued to benefit out of the shortfall in Kenya, which had earlier announced a 16 per cent decline in production in the first eight months of 2008.
High prices in the global markets for Indian tea coupled with the resolution of trade-related complications with Iraq, a major importer, have contributed immensely to the increase in the exports, an industry expert said.
Prices of Indian tea shot up to Rs 146.99 per kg in December 2008, compared with just Rs 97.75 a year ago, while the average prices between January and December 2008 rose to Rs 116.39 per unit from Rs 101.26 in the year-ago period.
Production between January and December rose to 980.81 million kg from 944.64 million kg, while output in December has risen to 58.61 million kg against 50.16 million kg in the previous year.
Source : Hindustan Times