Indian tea wins global tastebuds, exports soar 93%

India’s tea exports surged 93% to ₹8,719 crore in 2025-26 from ₹4,509 crore in 2013-14, reflecting rising global demand for premium Indian tea varieties and stronger international market presence.

 Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the sharp rise in exports and showcased the country’s diverse tea-producing regions through a series of social media posts.

 “Tea is an emotion. Across India, tea is more than just a beverage, it is a part of everyday life, conversations and traditions,” Goyal said while underlining the importance of India’s tea heritage in global markets. 

India’s tea industry has increasingly benefited from recognition of region-specific varieties, many of which carry Geographical Indication (GI) tags.  These tags help protect unique regional characteristics and strengthen branding in international markets. 

The minister highlighted that India’s tea cultivation now extends beyond traditional hubs to emerging producing regions such as Tripura, Bihar, Karnataka, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya and Nagaland. Among the most globally recognised varieties, Darjeeling tea continues to attract international buyers for its delicate muscatel flavour and fine aroma. 

Assam tea remains popular for its strong, full-bodied and malty character with coppery brightness. Nilgiri tea from southern India contributes through its fragrant and floral profile, while Kangra and Sikkim teas are also gaining recognition among overseas consumers.

Goyal said improving quality standards and promotional efforts by the Tea Board of India have helped Indian tea strengthen its presence across world markets. 

Industry experts believe rising demand for specialty teas, premium packaging and stronger branding of Indian origin products have significantly supported export growth in recent years. Increasing awareness about wellness beverages and organic tea consumption in international markets has also boosted demand.   India remains among the world’s largest tea producers and exporters, with shipments reaching key destinations across Europe, West Asia, Russia and North America.