Pandemic hits India’s tea exports

India, the second largest producer of tea in the world, suffered a loss of 44 million kg (mkg) in the export market in 2020, around 18.2% less than what it had sold overseas the previous year, according to the latest statistics from some industry sources. On the other hand, Kenya, India’s biggest competitor in tea exports, has gained 22mkg business last year.
According to the latest data, India lost 21 mkg business in Iran, and 9 mkg in Russia, while its exports to Poland, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia increased marginally. Kenya benefited from India’s loss and captured 85% of the Pakistan market.