West Asia raises a toast to Indian teas amid Russia slump

Iran and Iraq emerged as key drivers of India’s tea exports during the first eight months of this calendar year, offsetting a decline in shipments to major markets like Russia.

- ISHITA AYAN DUTT

According to the latest data from the Tea Board of India, Iraq was the top buyer of Indian tea, at 35.94 million kg (mkg) between January and August this year, up from 30.99 mkg in the same period last year.

Export to Iran rose to 6.39 mkg, against 6.30 mkg last year. However, exporters point out that teas bound for Iran were mostly routed through Dubai, one of the largest trading hubs.

Numbers show that exports to the United Arb Emirates (UAE) during January-August 2025 soared to 31.23 mkg, against 28.22 mkg in the same period last year.

Anshuman Kanoria, chairman of the Indian Tea Exporters Association, said Iran and Iraq were single-handedly driving overall exports. “Whatever we are losing in other markets is being offset by these countries... the demand is huge.”

Hits and misses

Tea exports to Russia — traditionally a key market for Indian teas — dropped to 20.84 mkg in the first eight months of this year from 26.92 mkg in the year-ago period.