Global black tea output down by 2.27%

Tuesday, 1 January 2013 00:06 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Hindu Business Line: The November tea production data of Malawi and Indonesia have just come out. Accordingly, the global black tea production till this period has fallen by 2.27% over the corresponding period of last year, reveals an analysis of the latest data available with producers and traders’ organisations.

During the 11 months of the calendar of 2012, Malawi had lost 4.80 million kg (mkg) to a total of 37.80 mkg. Indonesia lost 7.50 mkg to a total of 48.80 mkg. “According to our compilation, global black tea production for the latest period of current calendar has fallen to 1,539.85 mkg from 1,575.63 mkg last year,” Publisher of ‘Global Tea Digest 2012’ Rajesh Gupta, told Business Line.

India’s official data on tea production is confined to September. An international tea market observer has noted that internal demand has kept Indian prices hardy and its exports are lower again, hardly surprising.

Market for majority offerings has closed for the current calendar in India, Sri Lanka, China and Vietnam. Argentina and Malawi are continuing trade with some offerings.

Meteorological predictions indicate dry weather in Sri Lanka and Kenya with auctioneers expecting lower offerings till April 2013.

However, most countries expect the present volume offering and price trend to prevail when the auctions re-open in January after Christmas-New Year holiday.

Kenya has expressed concern that the UK has reduced its imports of Kenyan teas. However, it has received strong support from Egypt. This calendar, Pakistan, Sudan, Kazakhstan and Somalia have been active in Kenyan tea market.

Afghanistan and West Asian markets have picked up low-priced teas. Iran had remained selective but Russia had been silent mostly.