Stronger rupee dents tea exporters' income

Prices fell particularly in the UK, Ireland, Netherlands, Germany, UAE and Australia

India’s income from tea export has risen 6.3 per cent in the first six months (April-September) of this financial year to $500.8 million. However, producers and exporters are under stress as the average price for exports has stagnated, primarily owing to the rupee’s rise against the dollar and euro, and lower realisations from orthodox variety export.

Industry officials said in April-August the dollar and euro fell 3.2-3.4 per cent year-on-year. The higher forex income is because export surged 4.5 per cent this year to 166.36 million kg (mn kg). However, the average price per kilo during January-September fell by one per