India's tea exports surge 93% to Rs 8,719 crore in FY26: Piyush Goyal hails global demand
New Delhi, May 21
India's tea export sector recorded a substantial 93 per cent growth, reaching a valuation of Rs 8,719 crore during the 2025-26 fiscal year compared to Rs 4,509 crore in 2013-14. This increase highlights the strengthening presence of Indian tea varieties across international markets.
On the occasion of International Tea Day today, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal shared the country's financial milestone on social media platform "X", detailing the country's diverse tea-producing regions and their unique market characteristics.
"Tea is an emotion. And on #InternationalTeaDay, there cannot be a better way to describe it! Across India, tea is more than just a beverage, it is a part of everyday life, conversations & traditions," Minister Goyal stated on X.
In a thread of tweets, Goyal showcased India's diverse tea varieties shaped by its region by sharing infographics for each. "In this thread, explore some of India's diverse tea varieties, each shaped by its region, unique taste & the legacy it carries," Goyal added.
The growth in export revenue aligns with a broader recognition of India's regional tea varieties, many of which carry Geographical Indication (GI) tags that protect their distinct regional profiles.
Production spans across traditional hubs and expanding cultivation areas, including specific regions like Dooars-Terai, which produces a heavy-flavoured tea grown amidst rich flora and fauna. Cultivation has also extended to states such as Tripura, Bihar, Karnataka, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya, and Nagaland.
"From the hills of Darjeeling to the valleys of Assam and the plantations of the Nilgiris, every region brings its own distinct flavour, aroma & character to a cup of tea!" Goyal stated.
The infographics showed that global expansion relies heavily on these regional characteristics. Darjeeling tea remains recognized for its delicate 'muscatel' flavour, fine aroma, and exquisite bouquet, while Assam tea maintains its market position through its full-bodied, strong, and malty character featuring a brownish coppery brightness.
"Over the years, Indian tea has also strengthened its presence across global markets, driven by improving quality standards & the continued efforts of @TeaBoardOfIndia to showcase the richness of India's tea heritage to the world," Goyal added.
In Southern India, Nilgiri tea contributes to the export basket with its characteristically fragrant, aromatic profile featuring high tones of delicate floral notes. Similarly, Kangra valley in the north produces distinct black and green teas. Sikkim tea offeres a light, flowery, golden yellow, and delicate flavour profile to international buyers.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Delighted to see Darjeeling and Nilgiri tea getting global recognition. My grandfather used to say that the first flush of Darjeeling is like poetry in a cup. This export surge is a testament to our farmers' hard work. 🍃
Great numbers, but I wonder how much of this is value-add vs. just raw leaves being exported. India still imports tea from Kenya and Sri Lanka sometimes. We need to brand Indian tea better globally and build our own specialty blends.
As a chai lover, this makes me proud. But let's not forget—our domestic market is also massive. Hope the government supports tea workers' welfare too. Those hills of Munnar and Darjeeling have people working hard for low wages.
Interesting article. I remember seeing GI tags for Assam and Kangra tea, it's good to see them being mentioned. The fragmentation into states like Tripura and Meghalaya shows India's growing tea belt. I hope our organic tea varieties also find more customers abroad. ☕
I've tried Indian teas during my trips—Darjeeling first flush and Nilgiri blue mountain are world-class. This growth is well-deserved. But I'm curious how the logistics in remote areas like Nagaland and Uttarakhand are managed. Infrastructure will be key to sustaining this.
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