Indian tea exports may decline by up to 8% over Covid-19 outbreak

Exports under pressure as major buyers battle Covid-19

Indian tea exports may fall 6-8 per cent this year owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, which has paralysed logistics movement, as well as pushed the global economy towards recession.

Estimates from the Tea Board suggested that because of the loss of the first flush and the wipe-out of Darjeeling tea from the system, there could be a shortfall of 16-20 million kg (mkg) this year in export volumes. Moreover, if the production and quality in the second flush, beginning in May, is affected, the export shortfall may worsen.