In spite of the loss of exports on account of the prolonged closure of the Darjeeling tea estates, India’s tea exports have increased 4.6% by volume duringthe first seven months of 2017.
Two countries where Indian teas made major inroads were China and Sri Lanka — which are among India’s top rivals in the global tea arena. Exports increased 150% to Sri Lanka and by 71% to China according to Tea Board statistics.
Total exports stood at 121.1 million kg in January-July 2017, compared with 115.8 million kg a year earlier. India exported 227 million kg last year.