Tea sector eyes export opportunities in Asean

Against the backdrop of improved trade and business bonhomie between India and the Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean), the tea sector is eyeing an increase export to these countries. It feels that given the declining trend in tea production and increase in tea import for consumption in Asean countries over the last few years, there appears to be a “clear opportunity” for India to vigorously market its tea to Asean.

Figures show tea production in Asean, including Vietnam and Indonesia, the only two tea-exporting Asean members, is on the decline. In contrast, consumption in this region has been increasing over the years, brightening the chances of India being able to increase its export to this neighbourhood market.

The recent flag-down ceremony of the Asean-India car rally in Guwahati gave the Assam tea industry an opportunity to showcase different varieties of Assam tea before participants, delegates and leaders from Asean countries.

“The production trend is on the downside and consumption is increasing in the Asean countries, which clearly reflect in their downward trend of exports over the last three-four years. Vietnam and Indonesia are the only exporting countries from Asean. Their export share is also on the decrease — from 13.23 per cent to 12.49 per cent during 2009 to 2011.This gives a clear opportunity for India to increase our export share to these countries,” said Bidyananda Barkakoty, chairman of the North Eastern Tea Association.