India’s Tea Story Of 2025: Exports Surge, Output Grows, What It Means For Everyday Consumers?

India’s love affair with tea isn’t just about the comfort of a warm cup, it has grown into a powerful economic success story. Fresh data from the Tea Board of India highlights that 2025 turned out to be an impressive year for the country’s tea industry. Both production and exports witnessed strong upward movement, signalling robust demand at home and abroad. This growth reflects not just healthier harvests but also India’s strengthening position in the global tea market. For everyday consumers, it means better availability, improved quality, and a wider variety of blends to enjoy. Here’s the bigger picture explained simply.

Also Read: Why Taiwanese Black Tea Is Becoming the New Favourite for Tea Lovers

A Bigger Harvest: Domestic Tea Output Up 5%

India produced 1,369.98 million kg of tea in 2025, up from 1,303.53 million kg in 2024 a clear and healthy 5% increase. This rise highlights not only improved harvest conditions but also the strength of domestic demand, which continues to support steady growth across the sector. With production climbing, consumers can look forward to a wider range of teas becoming available throughout the year. From everyday CTC blends to speciality regional varieties, the higher output helps ensure consistent supply and stable pricing. Ultimately, this growth translates into more choice, better availability, and a smoother shopping experience for tea lovers nationwide.

Record-High Tea Exports: Up 9.5%

Exports touched a record 280.4 million kg in 2025, rising from 256.17 million kg the previous year, a strong 9.5% surge that highlights India’s growing appeal in global tea markets. This impressive jump was largely fuelled by rising demand from Iraq and China, both of which have emerged as major destinations for Indian tea varieties. Even with temporary setbacks, such as higher US tariffs creating short‑term challenges, international buyers continued to favour Indian blends for their quality and flavour consistency. Overall, the export momentum reflects strengthened global confidence in India’s diverse and robust tea offerings.

Higher Earnings on the Back of a Weaker Rupee

The export boom wasn’t just about volume it brought in more money too. The average export price climbed to ₹302.73 per kg, an 8.20% year‑on‑year increase, thanks partly to a weaker rupee that made Indian tea more competitively priced abroad. Overall export earnings jumped by 18.43%, totalling ₹8,488 crore in 2025.

Why This Matters for Everyday Shoppers

Here’s how these big numbers translate to your daily cuppa:

Better Variety

Higher production and strong exports encourage tea estates to innovate with blends, flavours, and premium offerings. You’ll likely see more regional and speciality teas on e-commerce platforms and retail shelves.

Stable Prices

With output rising, price fluctuations may stay moderate on popular tea categories good news for households that buy monthly staples in bulk.

Premium Tea Going Global

A strong export market pushes producers to improve quality standards, meaning even mass‑market brands could level up flavour profiles and packaging.

More Options on Shopping Platforms

Online retailers, including NDTV Shopping–style marketplaces, tend to benefit from the surge in curated, export-grade varieties becoming available domestically too.

India’s tea industry has brewed a robust performance in 2025 more production, more exports, higher earnings, and an upbeat outlook for consumers who love their daily cup. Whether you prefer strong Assam, fragrant Darjeeling, or everyday CTC, the market is gearing up to offer you more choices and better quality than ever before.

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