India's tea exports set for 20% decline this year due to freight and logistics pressures

India's tea exports are facing headwinds this year, with shipments already down 16.11% year-on-year to 128.56 million kilograms during January-July. Industry analysts now project a potential 20% decline for the full year, citing elevated freight rates and ongoing logistics disruptions as key challenges.

The sector, a significant foreign exchange earner for the country, is struggling to maintain competitiveness in global markets amid rising transportation costs. Logistics bottlenecks continue to hamper timely shipment of products to key export destinations.