Explore the rich legacy of Assam tea and Assam tea exports, from its 19th-century discovery to becoming India’s top tea-producing region. Discover its unique climate, export stats, and global impact.
Bhaswati Kalita
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When you think of Assam, chances are the first image that pops into your mind is a hot cup of strong, aromatic tea. Assam isn’t just famous for its lush green landscapes—it’s the lifeblood of India’s tea industry. And when it comes to Assam tea exports, this northeastern state pours a massive contribution into India’s global teacup.
Let’s explore more on Assam tea and Assam tea exports.
Assam—The Heart of the Indian Tea Industry
Assam is often referred to as the “Tea Capital of the World.” Its journey with tea began in the 1830s when the British identified the region’s perfect climate and soil for growing tea.
In 1823, Scottish adventurer Robert Bruce observed the Singpho tribe in Assam brewing a beverage from the leaves of indigenous tea plants. Recognizing the potential of these plants, Robert intended to collect samples for further study. Unfortunately, he passed away in 1824 before he could advance this endeavor. Subsequently, his brother, Charles Alexander Bruce, took up the mission. Charles successfully obtained specimens of the tea plants and collaborated with the British East India Company to cultivate and commercialize tea in Assam.
Fast forward to today, Assam produces more tea than any other state in India.
Unique Agro-Climatic Conditions
Located in the Brahmaputra valley, Assam has:
- Heavy rainfall – an average annual rainfall of approximately 120 inches (about 305 cm).
- Fertile alluvial soil
- Humid subtropical climate
- These make it perfect for growing strong, full-bodied teas.
Tea Production in India
India is the second-largest producer of tea globally, just behind China. According to verified data from Reuters:
India’s total tea production in 2024 was 1,284.78 million kilograms.
That’s a whole lot of chai!
Assam’s Tea Production Statistics
Out of the total national production, Assam alone contributed 649.84 million kilograms in 2024. That’s about 50.6% of India’s total tea output, solidifying its status as the king of Indian tea.
The main districts that fuel this production include
- Dibrugarh
- Tinsukia
- Sonitpur
- Jorhat
Assam Tea Exports Significance
Assam doesn’t just dominate production—it plays a crucial role in India’s tea export business, contributing a significant chunk of the country’s exports in both volume and value.
Tea Export Data—Verified Numbers
According to Tea Board India and export trade reports:
- India exported over 200 million kilograms of tea in 2024.
- A significant share of these exports were from Assam, especially the premium Orthodox and CTC varieties.
Major export destinations include
- Russia
- Iran
- United Arab Emirates
- UK
- USA
Key Varieties Exported
- CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl)—Popular in domestic and African markets for its strong flavor.
- Orthodox Tea—More expensive, hand-rolled, and exported mainly to Iran, Russia, and Europe.
- Specialty Teas—White, green, and flavored teas are also gaining popularity.
Quality and Global Demand
Why does Assam tea taste so good? Blame it on nature. The region’s low altitude, high rainfall, and fertile soil produce a robust, malty brew that’s unmatched. This is why Assam tea holds a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, affirming its quality and authenticity globally.
Economic Impact on Assam
The tea industry in Assam directly or indirectly employs over 1 million people, with a significant number being women.
Over the last 40 years, the Small Tea Growers (STGs) have grown exponentially in Assam. Until 2022, there were over 120,000 STGs in Assam cultivating approximately 110,000 hectares of land—with a combined production of approximately 350 million kgs, or 50% of the total tea produced in Assam.
The tea economy isn’t just about plantations — it’s about education, infrastructure, healthcare, and community welfare in rural Assam.
Government and Private Sector Support
The Tea Board of India offers support through:
- Market Development Assistance (MDA)
- Quality control measures
- International expos and buyer-seller meets
Private companies and startups are also making a mark by creating premium export-focused brands from Assam.
Assam Tea Auctions and Pricing
The Guwahati Tea Auction Centre (GTAC) is one of the busiest in the world. Pricing trends in 2024 showed a moderate increase, with premium CTC fetching ₹270–₹310 per kg and Orthodox variants reaching up to ₹600 per kg in international markets.
According to recent data, the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre sold ₹3,850 crore of tea in the financial year 2025, breaking previous records.
Innovations and Branding Efforts
D2C (direct-to-consumer) brands like Vahdam Teas, Mana Organics, Deroi Tea, Woolah, and Assamica Agro are using e-commerce to tap global markets. Smart packaging, origin stories, and wellness angles are helping Assam tea reach premium shelves worldwide.
Challenges Faced by Assam Tea Exports
Despite its strengths, the Assam tea export industry faces hurdles:
- Climate change and unpredictable weather have affected yield and quality.
- Global price competition from Kenya and Sri Lanka.
- Lack of value addition and branding in international markets.
- Labor issues and wages in tea estates.
Sustainability and Fair Trade
Global buyers now want more than just good tea—they want ethically sourced and environmentally friendly products. Assam tea gardens are increasingly adopting
- Organic farming methods
- Rainforest Alliance certifications
- Worker welfare programs
Future of Assam Tea & Assam Tea Exports
The global tea market size was valued at USD 25.6 billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 38.1 billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.5% from 2025 to 2033.
With strategic branding, digital marketing, and government support, Assam has the potential to not just export Assam tea— but export tea culture.
The future could see Assam taking a place next to Champagne and Colombian Coffee in global brand recall.
The Road Ahead
Assam tea & Assam Tea Exports has enormous potential if it continues to:
- Explore untapped markets like Japan, South Korea, and the Nordic region.
- Invest in branding and storytelling.
- Strengthen quality control and traceability.
Assam isn’t just growing tea—it’s growing opportunities. With the right mix of tradition, innovation, and global outreach, the state is steeping its way into becoming the world’s premium tea destination.
Bhaswati Kalita is a business analyst and storyteller with years of experience in business operations, management, and marketing. She is an engineering graduate and started her professional career as an operations manager in a tech company. To follow her passion as a storyteller, she loves to write business articles and stories. Reach her at bhaswati@diversityassam.com.
