Tea exports dip sharply

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Instability in Iraq and the recouping of Kenyan tea production has affected the tea exports from the nation. Nominal gains in exports to Egypt and other nations could not prevent a fall in total exports which dropped by 37.59 million kg during January-September 2007 as against the same period in 2006. Payment problems in exports to Iraq have almost halted trade with the nation while Pakistan has again turned to Kenya for its need, traders said.

Competition from cheaper origins has taken its toll and coupled with the strengthening of the Indian rupee, trade has really suffered, a trader said. The month of September has seen both exports and production drop substantially, traders said. According to figures provided by UPASI, Indian tea exports dropped to 118.73 million kg during January-September this year from 155.89 million kg during the same period last year. Exports from south India have suffered the most with a decline of 33.58 million kg. Exports from south India stood at 55.81 million kg as against 89.39 million kg in the comparing period last year.