Iraq wants to resume import of orthodox teas from India; the import trade was stopped eight years ago due to geopolitical tensions.
A delegation from the Trade Promotion Council of India recently went to Iraq and found that importers wished to know about Indian tea.
After India ceased tea exports to Iraq, Sri Lanka and Vietnam compensated for the lack. Iraq imports around 40 million kg of tea annually, and Sri Lanka dominates the import market with 80 per cent share.
India will be competing with Sri Lanka which is exporting orthodox teas at an average price of $2 per kg.