Dipak Shah, chairman, The South India Tea Exporters Association
The South India Tea Exporters Association is planning to send a delegation to emerging overseas markets as part of efforts to promote Indian tea and expand exports.
The association is initially focusing on markets such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Libya and select African countries, with the support of trade bodies in these regions.
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“These are difficult markets to penetrate as Sri Lankan tea has already established a strong presence. Sri Lanka is also maintaining consistent quality despite its tea being priced higher than Indian produce,” Dipak Shah, chairman of the association told businessline.
However, the prevailing geopolitical situation, coupled with rising freight costs, shipment delays and port congestion, is posing challenges to the timely delivery of tea consignments. Delays in transit can also affect the quality of the brew, he added.
Shah, who has been elected as the Chairman of the association at the 23rd AGM said the tea output in South India is estimated to be lower by 8-10 million kg, mainly due to adverse climatic conditions. The industry is now awaiting the North-East monsoon, which is expected to bring favourable conditions and improve yields in plantations. Overall tea production in India is likely to remain around 280 million kg, broadly in line with last year’s level, he said.
The tea industry is also facing growing concerns over pesticide residue levels, particularly in teas from North India. The issue poses a major challenge to exports as several European markets are reluctant to procure tea exceeding prescribed minimum residue limits, Shah said.
“This is the biggest challenge as many European countries are reluctant to procure tea above the minimum residue limits, which is hindering sales,” he said.
Disclaimer: Published on September 3, 2026, by Thehindubusinessline and has not been generated, created or edited by agrinews.in except the heading.
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