Mixed Results for February Tea Exports as Cumulative Gains Hold Steady 📈

• Overall Performance February exports reached 19.92 M/Kgs, a marginal dip of 2.3% YoY (0.48 M/Kgs). However, cumulative Jan-Feb performance remains positive with 40.63 M/Kgs shipped, up 2.1% YoY (0.86 M/Kgs). • Value & Pricing The cumulative FOB value rose to Rs. 1,804.08 per kg ($ 5.83), an increase of Rs. 73.75 YoY. While rupee earnings strengthened due to higher local prices, dollar-denominated gains faced pressure across most segments except tea bags and green tea. • Sector Breakdowns Tea packets and instant tea saw volume growth in February. In contrast, bulk tea, tea bags, and green tea experienced monthly declines. For the Jan-Feb period, all product segments maintained positive volume variances. • Top Markets Iraq: Remained the top buyer at 6.53 M/Kgs (+9% YoY). Türkiye: Recorded a massive 124% surge to 4.40 M/Kgs, moving to 2nd place. Russia: Slipped to 3rd place with 3.72 M/Kgs (-9% YoY). Azerbaijan: Saw robust growth of 46% (2.19 M/Kgs). UAE: Declined 8% YoY, matching Azerbaijan's volume. The tea industry continues to navigate shifting trade flows, with growth in Türkiye and Azerbaijan offsetting softer demand in traditional markets like Russia, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.