Tea exports to Russia soar 21%, belying war worries; some lost share gained

Sri Lanka crisis, sanctions on Russia that made sourcing from other countries difficult help domestic industry post better numbers

Apprehensions of widespread disruptions had put the Indian tea industry on the edge when Russia, a top buyer, waged war on Ukraine. But tea growers managed to retain a hold on the market and even regained some lost share.

Tea Board data shows that exports to Russia stood at 41.13 million kg (mkg) in Calendar year 2022, up 20.7 per cent from 34.06 mkg the preceding year.

Total tea exports from India in 2022 were 226.98 mkg, up 15.49 per cent from 196.53 mkg a year ago. A combination of factors made this possible such as export opportunities created by