Tea output slips, exports drop in January-July 2026

India’s tea production declined 1.7% year-on-year (YoY) to 658.3 million kg during January-July this year, according to data shared by the United Planters’ Association of Southern India (UPASI).

While the country’s tea output in 2025 had grown 7.1% YoY, production during the first seven months of this year sw pressure across major tea-growing regions. Output in South India declined 4.4% and production in North India fell 0.9% largely due to climatic conditions linked to changing weather patterns.

India’s tea exports shrank 16.11% YoY to 128.56 million kg between January and July this year.

Meanwhile, the Tea Board of India’s newly launched Tea Mark certification programme has gained initial traction, with 25 producers and mini factories receiving certification so far.