Bangladesh’s tea exports have suffered due to increasing domestic demand, despite the steady growth in tea production over the past decade. The country’s population growth and urbanization have fueled higher consumption, hindering the export potential of the tea industry. Tea production reached an impressive 94 million kilograms in 2022, marking a 53 percent increase from 2012. However, only 0.78 million kilograms of tea were exported, a significant drop from 2.17 million kilograms in 2020.
Bangladesh annually imports nearly a million kilograms of tea, and if the current pace of domestic consumption continues, more imports may be necessary. Challenges such as higher production costs, outdated machinery, inadequate infrastructure, limited resources, and high-interest bank loans pose obstacles for the industry. Despite these challenges, with proper policy support and focus on exports, Bangladesh’s tea industry can regain global competitiveness.
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