Tea Prices Crash Amid Rising Imports and Higher Production

Tea prices have fallen sharply this year due to a surge in imports and increased domestic production. Between January and June, tea imports from Kenya rose 45% to 6.69 million kg, while India’s overall tea imports jumped 82% to 44.53 million kg in 2024. Assam’s production is also up by 20%, adding to the oversupply.

At Guwahati auctions, average prices dropped by about ₹20 compared to last year, with lower-quality teas facing weak demand. While better-quality teas still fetch fair prices, overall average rates have slipped to ₹225.59, down from ₹253 last year.

Industry bodies warn that duty-free imported teas, often blended and sold as Indian-origin, are hurting both domestic producers and export credibility. They also point to poor quality production and lack of promotion as reasons behind subdued consumption.