GUWAHATI, Dec 16 � Tea production in the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries is witnessing a diminishing trend whereas the consumption of the brew is increasing auguring good times for the business prospect of the Assam tea. Tea industry sources here say, the ASEAN countries have been facing a downward trend in their tea export. Vietnam and Indonesia are the leading tea producers among the ASEAN countries. No doubt, Malaysia and Myanmar are also making some meagre contributions in this respect. It has been noticed that the share of contribution of these countries decreased from 8.43 per cent to 7.43 per cent towards the global tea production between 2009 and 2011.
Among the ASEAN countries, Malaysia is the leading tea consumer country being followed by Philippines.
Among these countries, Vietnam and Indonesia are the only tea exporting countries. But, their tea export also experienced a decreasing trend from 13.23 per cent to 12.49 per cent during the above period.
This has provided a big opportunity for India to increase its tea export to these countries, said the Joint Forum of the Assam Tea Planters� Association (ATPA), North Eastern Tea Association (NETA) and the Bharatiya Cha Parishad (BCP) in a statement here. The Indian tea exports to ASEAN had increased from 0.67 per cent to 1.62 per cent in volume term and from 0.92 per cent to 1.12 per cent in value terms. The details of Indian tea exports to ASEAN countries from 2009 to 2011 are� Tea Import for consumption by ASEAN Countries:
Moreover, the joint forum say, the export of Indian tea is also growing to these countries.
Indian tea exports to ASEAN Countries.
Quantity in Thousand .Kgs, Value in Thousand Rupees and Unit Price in Rs per Kg
Under such a situation, the ASEAN � India Trade Conclave will be held tomorrow at the Sarusajai National Games Stadium here with a one-day programme. Commerce and Industry Ministers of ASEAN countries are expected to attend the conclave. The lone stall being put up at the conclave will be that of Assam Tea. This stall is being put up by the Directorate of Tea, Government of Assam. The Joint Forum of the ATPA,
NETA and the BCP will be showcasing different varieties of Assam Tea at the stall.
It needs mention here that in 2011, India�s total tea production was 988 million kgs, out of this Assam produced 508 million kgs.
