New Delhi, Aug. 5 -- The Tea Association of India (TAI) has formally requested the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) to review and regulate duty-free tea imports under the Advance Authorisation Scheme, citing concerns over the growing volume of tea imports affecting domestic market stability.

India's tea import volumes have shown consistent growth over recent years, rising from 15.85 million kilograms in 2019 to 23.65 million kilograms in 2023. The trend has accelerated significantly in 2024, with Kenya emerging as a major supplier to the Indian market.

According to data published by the Tea Board of Kenya, Kenyan tea exports to India reached 17.13 million kilograms in 2024, representing a substantial 226 percent increase comp...