Kenya’s tea exports decline in September 2025 as weather conditions affect output 

KENYA – Kenya exported 48.8 million kilograms of tea to 60 international markets in September 2025, marking a decline from the 50.93 million kilograms shipped during the same month in 2024, according to new data released by the Tea Board of Kenya (TBK). 

The 2.1 million kilogram decrease was largely attributed to adverse weather conditions experienced in key tea-growing regions across both sides of the Rift Valley. 

Pakistan remained the leading buyer during the period under review, purchasing 18.1 million kilograms compared with 18.5 million kilograms a year earlier.  

Egypt followed with 9.3 million kilograms, up from 7.6 million kilograms in September 2024. Other significant destinations included the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, India, Russia, Oman, Iran, Poland, and Yemen. 

TBK Chief Executive Officer Willy Mutai reported that value-added tea reached 26 global destinations, including the UK, Somalia, Yemen, Ireland, the United States, Burkina Faso, India, and Côte d’Ivoire.  

He added that domestic tea sales rose to 3.13 million kilograms from 2.74 million kilograms recorded in the corresponding month of the previous year. 

Mutai noted that local consumption is projected to grow further following policy changes under the Finance Act 2025, which removed VAT on Kenyan tea supplied locally and zero-rated packaging materials. These measures are expected to make tea more accessible and affordable to consumers nationwide. 

Overall tea production for the month stood at 42.51 million kilograms, slightly up from 42.41 million kilograms in September 2024.  

Across various regions, output trends varied, with independent and private factories reporting a 10.27% increase in production, from 10.01 million kilograms to 11.04 million kilograms. Estate factories recorded a more modest rise of 2.86% from 11.11 million kilograms. 

Meanwhile, the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) commended the performance of tea sales in 2025 despite the global tea industry facing considerable challenges. 

Group CEO Wilson Muthaura highlighted that despite falling international prices and elevated operational costs, the smallholder tea model demonstrated strong resilience. 

Muthaura stated that efficient operations allowed KTDA to sustain solid performance under difficult conditions, adding that the priority moving forward is to translate operational strength into long-term profitability.  

He emphasized that digital transformation remains central to KTDA’s growth strategy, citing the rollout of the Electronic Weighing System Phase II and the installation of 69 weighbridges, which have improved leaf collection efficiency. He also pointed to the SAP system’s role in enhancing transparency, accuracy, and real-time data reporting. 

Additionally, Muthaura underscored ongoing farmer-focused sustainability programs, including the replacement of aging tea bushes with climate-resilient varieties and diversification initiatives involving avocados, livestock, and other ventures supported by the KTDA Foundation. 

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