India’s Tea Exports Surge 93% in a Decade, Reflecting Growing Global Demand: Piyush Goyal

New Delhi, May 2026 : India’s tea exports have recorded a strong growth of 93 per cent over the last decade, rising from Rs 4,509 crore in FY2013-14 to Rs 8,719 crore in FY2025-26, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday while highlighting the expanding global footprint of Indian tea.

Marking International Tea Day, the minister described tea as much more than just a beverage for Indians, calling it an integral part of the country’s culture, traditions, and everyday social life.

“Tea is an emotion. And on #InternationalTeaDay, there cannot be a better way to describe it,” Goyal said in a post on social media platform X.

He noted that tea continues to play a central role in Indian households, conversations, and community interactions across the country.

“Across India, tea is more than just a beverage, it is a part of everyday life, conversations and traditions,” the minister stated.

Goyal also highlighted the diversity and richness of Indian tea varieties, pointing to the unique flavours and aromas produced in different tea-growing regions.

“From the hills of Darjeeling to the valleys of Assam and the plantations of the Nilgiris, every region brings its own distinct flavour, aroma and character to a cup of tea,” he said.

India remains one of the world’s leading tea producers and exporters, with its premium varieties gaining increasing acceptance in international markets. According to the minister, the steady rise in exports has been driven by improvements in quality standards and continuous efforts by the Tea Board of India to promote Indian tea globally.

“Over the years, Indian tea has strengthened its presence across global markets, driven by improving quality standards and the continued efforts of the Tea Board of India to showcase the richness of India’s tea heritage to the world,” Goyal added.

The tea industry also continues to play a major role in employment generation, particularly in rural and plantation-based economies. Last year, Goyal had noted that the organised tea sector in India provides employment to nearly 12 lakh workers, of whom around 58 per cent are women.

He had then emphasised the important contribution of women workers in strengthening India’s tea industry and expanding its global reach.

“Women are leading the growth of India’s tea sector. Our nation continues to make a mark globally with its aromatic teas and steady export rise,” the minister had said in June 2025.

Official data further reflects the sector’s strong export performance. In FY25, India exported around 263 million kilograms of tea, with total export earnings touching Rs 7,818 crore, according to figures from the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS).

Industry experts believe that growing international demand for premium Indian tea varieties, coupled with improved branding and sustainability initiatives, could further strengthen the country’s position in the global tea market in the coming years.

Team Maverick.