World tea output may go up 2.78%

World tea production in 2005 is estimated at 1,820.9 million kg, up 2.78 per cent from 1,776.9 million kg in 2004, according to Indian Tea Association data.

The data showed that almost all tea producing countries, except Malawi and Zimbabwe, registered moderate increase in production in 2005.

Malawi's production was down 24.4 per cent to 37.9 million kg and Zimbabwe (January-October) was down 20.6 per cent to 12.3 million kg, it said.

India's production rose 3.9 per cent to 927.9 million kg, while Bangladesh increased 5.2 per cent to 58.6 million kg. Indonesia's production is estimated to have gone up 4.8 per cent to 80.4 million kg, Sri Lanka by 2.2 per cent to 314.8 million kg, and Kenya 1.2 per cent to 328.5 million.

Among tea exporting countries, exports of seven were up 2.76 per cent at 1,044.4 million kg from 1,016.3 million kg in 2004.

Kenya continued to occupy the top position at 349.7 million kg, almost 21 million kg more than production.

India retained fourth position with total exports of 187.6 million kg, but down 5.1 per cent or 10.1 million kg from 2004.