The Global Trade of Tea: India’s Role as a Leading Tea Exporter

Tea is more than just a beverage in India—it's a tradition, a livelihood, and a powerful economic force. With a rich history and diverse regional varieties, India plays a significant role in the global trade of tea. From the misty plantations of Assam to the rolling hills of Darjeeling and Nilgiris, the country continues to dominate global markets through consistent tea exports and strategic trade partnerships.

Tea Export from India: An Overview

India is among the largest exporters of tea in the world, supplying aromatic and flavorful varieties to over 100 countries. The tea export from India includes bulk shipments, value-added products, and specialty teas that cater to different international tastes.

Key facts:

• India is the largest tea exporter of Darjeeling and Assam tea.
  
  

• Indian teas are in high demand in the UK, UAE, Russia, Iran, and the USA.
  
  

• The highest exporter of tea in India focuses on both black tea and specialty green tea categories.
  
  

Top Tea Production State in India

India's tea cultivation is spread across several regions, each contributing uniquely to its tea exports.

• Assam: Known for strong, bold black tea. It is the top tea production state in India in terms of volume.
  
  

• West Bengal (Darjeeling): Produces world-famous aromatic Darjeeling tea.
  
  

• Tamil Nadu (Nilgiris): Offers smooth, fragrant teas ideal for blending.
  
  

• Kerala: Adds to india tea exports with its unique high-grown teas.
  
  

These states collectively enable Indian tea exporters to supply a wide variety of teas to global consumers.

Why Indian Tea Leads the Market

✔ Quality and Flavor Diversity
India’s diverse climate and topography give rise to distinctive flavors, making Indian teas globally sought-after.

✔ Skilled Workforce
Generations of tea growers and pluckers ensure consistent quality in every leaf exported.

✔ Strong Export Infrastructure
Efficient port systems and logistics support large-scale export tea from India, ensuring timely delivery and minimal quality loss.

✔ Certification and Compliance
Indian teas meet international standards, including organic and fair trade certifications, which boosts credibility in international markets.

Indian Tea Export by Numbers

The indian tea export industry accounts for a major share of global tea trade. According to recent data:

• India exports over 200 million kilograms of tea annually.
  
  

• The value of tea exports from India crosses USD 700 million every year.
  
  

• India remains among the largest exporters of tea, competing with China, Sri Lanka, and Kenya.
  
  

The consistent rise in tea export from India is fueled by both private sector exporters and government support via the Tea Board of India.

Indian Tea Exporters & Global Reach

Indian tea exporters cater to a broad international audience. They operate in both B2B and B2C segments, offering everything from loose-leaf bulk tea to branded and packaged retail products.

✔ Access to verified tea buyers in Europe, Asia, and the Americas
✔ Participation in global trade fairs and expos
✔ Exporters also engage in direct-to-consumer eCommerce exports
✔ Custom labeling and private branding services available

These factors contribute to India’s position as the highest exporter of tea in many global rankings.

Complementing Sectors: Coffee Exports from India

In addition to tea, coffee exports from India are growing steadily. Indian coffee—especially from Karnataka and Kerala—is also gaining popularity for its rich flavor, sustainable farming, and global certifications. Together, tea and coffee form a strong foundation of India’s beverage export industry.

Conclusion

India remains a dominant force in the trade of tea, with deep-rooted tradition, top-quality production, and a strong export network. As the largest tea exporter, the country continues to influence global markets, offering unmatched variety and flavor. From Darjeeling’s delicate aroma to Assam’s robust strength, tea export from India is a proud symbol of its agricultural excellence.

Want to connect with trusted Indian tea exporters or explore how to export tea from India?

Contact us today to grow your presence in the global tea market.