Tea exports fall in first nine months of 2012

Exports of Indian tea across the world has taken a dip during January to September 2012 as compared to the similar period of 2011, according to Tea Board statistics.

During the first 9 months of 2012, exports of the beverage stood at 125.69 million kilogram as compared to 148.38 million kilogram. Value of the exports during the period had also come down to Rs 2,204 crore as against Rs 2,235 crore in 2011.

Destination-wise exports of tea showed that the prominent importers like CIS countries, Pakistan, UK and UAE had lowered offtake from India. While exports to the CIS nations (mainly Russia, Kazakhstan and Ukraine was 42.65 million kilo in 2011, it was 37.97 million kilo in 2012). UK and UAE also imported lesser amount in 2012. While UK imported 10.81 million kilo in 2012 (11.47), UAE was at 11.81 million kilo (12.74).

Pakistan also imported lesser amount of 14.89 million kilo in the first nine months of 2012 as compared to 16.97 million kilo in the previous similar period.

According to ITA estimates, tea production from January to October 2012 also declined to 902 million kilo as compared to 918.27 million kilo in same period of 2011.