tea time

Tea imports double

Pakistan

The Pakistan Tea Association (PTA) reported that black tea imports increased from 7 million kgs worth US$16.9 million last July to 14.21 million kg worth US$29 million this July, nearly doubling last year’s figures.

The sharp increase could be attributed to the illegal trade routes crossing the Pakistan-Afghan border being blocked by US paramilitary forces battling extremists in the region, bringing illegal tea imports down to the same level as legitimate imports.

Scrap trade barriers

Sri Lanka

The newly appointed minister of Plantation Industries, Mahinda Samarasinghe, said last week that he is seeking to have trade barriers removed against Ceylon Tea so that Sri Lanka’s tea exports could grow again.

Sri Lanka’s premium tea has a wide following around the world, particularly Russia, but their export is hampered by trade barriers and domestic conditions. Recently Russia has been turning away from Sri Lankan tea to shore up its own market and it has been feared Sri Lankan tea would have to seek other export markets, hence the anxious attempt to have its trade barriers removed.

Tea to get act together

Nepal

The executive director of the Nepal Tea Development Board has said that Nepalese tea producers will be able to start selling to the local market “within three to four years.”

Domestic consumers are expected to be offered CTC and orthodox teas from Uday, Muna, Upahar, Mechi, and Tinpate regions. All the teas are produced in factories at Jhapa and Ilam.

Nepal imports most of its tea, around 3,000 tons annually.

FHA breaks records

Singapore

FHA2010, held from 20 - 23 April 2023 at Singapore Expo, was a record-breaker, being the largest show ever, with a significant increase in size. The show occupied more than 82,000 square metres compared with 72,000 square metres in 2008. The number of group pavilions increased from 33 in FHA2008 to 46 this year. New group pavilions including those from Argentina, China, Philippines, Poland, South Africa and Venezuela as well as perennial exhibitors enjoyed a productive showing.

New tea clones

Scientists from Tocklai Experimental Station have developed four new tea clones which are promised to preserve and enhance Assam tea’s unique qualities and taste while making plants hardier and higher yielding.

The director of the Tea Research Association said that the clones are slated to be released this autumn rather than waiting the mandatory 12 years because “time is short”.