Kenya’s tea exports to the major markets declined by 8.5 per cent in February compared with the corresponding period last year to various global destinations.
According to Kenya Tea Directorate, this declined by 4 million kilos to register 40.5 million kilos in February compared to the same period last year.
“This decline is attributed to political and economic instability, devaluation of the currency and capping of the dollar on some of the key market export destinations for Kenyan tea,” Anthony Muriithi interim director general, Agriculture and Food Authority said
The total export volume for the period January-February 2020 was down to 84.58 million kilos compared to 92.44 kilos recorded during the same period in 2019.
For the month of February, tea exports declined by 8.8 per cent from 44.51 million kgs recorded last year to 40.58 million kgs during the month of February this year.
In the review period, there was increased production of up to 49.2 million kilos from 31.4 million kilos recorded in the comparative year, with smallholders’ sub-sector taking the lead at 19.02 million kilos.
Pakistan was the leading export destination for Kenyan tea having imported 14.6 million kilograms, which accounted for 35 percent of the total export volume.
Other key export destinations for Kenyan tea were Egypt with 8.4 million kilograms, the United Arab Emirates buying 3.75 million kilograms, UK at 3.36 million kilograms.
According to the latest data from Agriculture and Food Authority, 37. 29 million kilos were sold through the Mombasa Tea Auction attracting a reduced average auction price of 2 dollars and 13 cents per kilo from 2 dollars and 16 cents in 2019 during the month of February.
Excess Global Supplies to Hurt Kenya Tea Farmers Earnings in 2020
