Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:56am on 13 Sep 2026,Sunday India
Darjeeling tea exports have declined 46% over the past decade, falling from 3.95 million kg in 2015 to just 2.13 million kg in 2025. Production also dropped around 36%, from 8.76 million kg to 5.60 million kg. The prolonged 2017 Gorkhaland agitation severely disrupted exports, prompting overseas buyers to shift towards Nepalese tea. The industry now faces labour shortages, weak investment, rising production costs and financially struggling estates. At least nine tea gardens remain closed, while worker absenteeism has reportedly reached nearly 45%. Despite higher auction prices, producers say earnings remain below production costs, raising concerns over the future of Darjeeling’s iconic tea industry.
