Guwahati, May 20 -- Reported by Roopak Goswami

Guwahati: As the world gears up to observe International Tea Day 2026 on May 21 under the theme "Sustaining Tea, Supporting Communities," India's tea industry has expressed a mix of optimism and concern. While celebrating record-breaking export figures, the sector has also raised alarms over climate-related disruptions, shrinking profitability and long-term structural challenges.

In a statement issued ahead of the occasion, the Indian Tea Association (ITA) announced that India exported a historic 280.40 million kg of tea in 2025, valued at Rs 8,488 crore. The achievement further strengthens India's standing as the world's second-largest tea producer and the leading producer of black tea.

T...