PRODUCTION - 1 ::

WORLD PRODUCED LOWER BLACK TEA IN 2014

BY P S SUNDAR

                 Contrary to earlier estimates showing an excess supply of black tea in global market in 2014, the latest compilations indicate production to be less by 8.02 million kg (mkg) compared to 2013.

“Official production data is available for most countries, including India, till November 2014.  Global black tea production dropped to 2019.13 mkg in 2014 from 2027.15 mkg in 2013”, Rajesh Gupta, compiler ‘Global Tea Digest 2014’ told me.

Production had fallen only in India and Uganda.  While Uganda lost 8.76 mkg to produce 30.38 mkg, North India contributed to the decline significantly. 

“Till November, India’s production dropped by 16.06 mkg to total 1127.21 mkg.  Production was down in both North and South.  North India lost as much as 15.80 mkg to dip to 903.55 mkg while South India lost 0.26 mkg to produce 223.66 mkg”, Gupta noted.

This is significant because in the recent past, year after year, India had been posting new record in tea production.   Preliminary estimates show that the production in December was also less than in 2013.   Industry sources now estimate that there will be nearly 17 million kg shortfall in 2014 over 2013.  

“Kenya gained 9.30 mkg to produce 400.03 mkg, Malawi 3.40 mkg to reach 43.04 mkg and Sri Lanka 2.52 mkg to total 312.29 mkg.   These increases were inadequate to offset the loss in India and Uganda”, Gupta added.