About 50 per cent of the tea exports are attributed to the Russian markets which have been very active for the last 4-5 years. Out of the total exports the north Indian component has come down drastically which is also reflected in the exports to Russia.

Many experts also feel that the rupee/rouble agreement between the two countries is not very favourable for the Russian buyers who are looking at other markets to buy from. The most attractive part of buying Indian tea is its low cost, according to a prominent trader. If the commodity is available at a cheaper price elsewhere, the Indian exporters are likely to lose out.

Earlier the pressure on the crackling Russian economy had made the buyers desert the Indian shores. Now it is mostly quality, opined another tea trader. It is mainly the mediocre teas which were being picked up by Russia while high grown quality leaf teas are preferred by Japanese buyers and the East European buyers.

The medium CTCs from South India are very poor quality which is a major hurdle in increasing the export, said an exporter. "The exportable quality teas are scare", he said.

A member of the Tea Traders' Association said that the emphasis is on quality and the country will have to produce quality teas if it wants to continue its hold in the international market.

A prominent tea producing and exporting house official said that they are exploring other markets too for exports. The country cannot depend on one single market. There is huge potential, it is just a matter of tapping it, he maintained, adding that his company has made major inroads into various other European and Gulf markets.