tea export india

Inside India's Tea Export Boom: How Indian Tea Brews Global Business

Key Highlights: 

  • A comprehensive overview of the largest exporters of tea in India during March 2025.

  • India exported $84,095,424.54 of tea in March 2025

  • The HS Code for tea is 0902

  • The top 3 destinations for Indian tea exports for March 2025 are Iraq ($14,998,150.71), the UAE ($13,030,253.60) and Russia ($6,795,318.96). 

In every Indian home, the day doesn’t start without a cup of tea. From the first cup in the early morning to late-night chats, tea is a cultural way of bringing people and communities together across homes, offices & street corners. But how?

Despite tea being a modern-day comfort, its roots date back to the ancient times in Indian history. Introduced in the British era, tea cultivation became an integral part across the country, making the nation one of the largest tea producers globally.

Today, Indian tea is sipped in households across the globe. Wondering who the key tea exporters in India are? Read on to know more about the top tea export companies that have turned a subtle homegrown tradition into a profitable international business.

India's Stance in the Global Tea Trade Market

Undoubtedly, Indians love their tea. In fact, they don't just drink cups and cups of it; they grow an abundance of it too. Backed by its rich landscape, India stands tall as the 2nd largest tea producer and is often known for its range of teas and tea blends. From the floral Darjeeling blend to the strong malt-flavoured Assam tea, Indian teas are crafted to suit diverse palates globally.

And the world is paying attention. With the global demand for Indian tea growing, the nation faces new doors of opportunity to strengthen its stance in the international tea market while at the same time propelling its export market forward.

 

Major Types of Tea Produced In India

Cha, chai or tea – whatever you call it, the beverage is indeed an integral part of Indian culture. And one of the biggest reasons why Indians love their tea is because of its varieties, each characterised by its unique aroma, flavour and texture. The major types of tea exported in India during March 2025 are:

Tea Variant

Total Shipment Value

Market Share (in %)

Black Tea

$68,655,140.45

96.88

Green Tea

$1,286,955.40

1.82

Masala Tea

$666,092.52

0.94

Herbal Tea

$260,724.06

0.37

Oolong Tea

$260.05

0.0004

 

Based on the table above, it’s quite evident that India exports a variety of teas, predominantly black tea, accounting for 96.88% of exports in March 2025. In fact, this type of tea is quite popular and grown in regions of Assam, Darjeeling and Nilgiri and is often characterised by its potent strength & flavour.

While Indians have a soft corner for their black tea, green tea is quickly catching up, especially among health enthusiasts & wellness seekers.

Alongside these, India is also carving a niche in its masala tea exports, a spiced blend celebrated for its aromatic kick. But what if you’re not much of a tea drinker? Don’t worry — India has something for you too! From fruity hibiscus teas to butterfly pea tea, India indeed has a diverse range of herbal teas, all freshly brewed for you!

Top 10 Tea Export Companies In India

And behind all these aromatic flavours are some of the nation’s finest tea exporters – businesses that have indeed taken this beloved beverage to global shelves. Here’s a closer look at the top 10 tea export companies in India for March 2025.

Company Name

Market Share (In Percentage)

Shah Brothers

24.64

Ssk Exports Limited

13.54

Invigo Tea Private Limited

12.29

Saman Tea Private Limited

9.34

Madhu Jayanti International Limited

7.41

Bhansali And Company

7.30

Balaji Agro Private Limited

7.06

Vikrma Impex Private Limited

6.87

Team United Marketing Private Limited

5.91

Tata Consumer Products Limited

5.65

 

These Indian tea export companies aren't just making a mark in the global trade landscape; they're transforming the way the world sees Indian tea. With dominant forces like the Shah Brothers and SSK Export Limited leading the market, these companies ensure that you can enjoy Indian tea from the comfort of your living room from any corner of the world.

The Way Forward

Looking ahead, the future of Indian tea looks bright and promising. As the global palate evolves, there is a significant opportunity for the nation to tap into to explore new, innovative tea blends. 

At the same time, the nation’s tea export market is prone to new challenges. The shifts in climatic conditions, sustainability, labour challenges and severe competition from other tea-producing nations have urged India to stay ahead of the curve and capitalise on this trend. 

All in all, there’s so much more to tea; it’s a way of life. With its unmatched quality & variety, India is indeed a powerful force to reckon with when it comes to tea exports. Want to learn about the Indian tea export market to find active buyers and sellers? Book a demo with Ex-Im today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which country imports tea from India?
India, as the 2nd highest tea-producing country, exports its diverse tea range to Russia, the United Kingdom, China, the United States of America, the United Arab Emirates and Iran, to name a few. 

How can I start a tea export business in India?
To export tea in India, you need to first get a registration certificate from the Tea Board of India, along with an Import-Export Code from DGFT. In addition to these, you should also get the FSSAI certificate for quality assurance. 

Which tea is most exported from India?
While India exports several kinds of tea, black tea contributes to a major chunk of the nation’s tea exports. Following right behind are green tea, oolong tea, masala tea & herbal teas. 

Apart from India, which is the biggest tea exporter in the world?
China is the world's largest exporter of tea, with India and Kenya following right after.

 


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