Guwahati Tea Auction Centre Marks Growth Amid U.S. Tariff Relief

Rapid Summary

• The Guwahati Tea Auction Center (GTAC) recorded significant sales growth from April-August 2025.
• Sales Volume: 76.94 million kg of tea sold; 72.70 million kg of CTC and dust teas at ₹223.30/kg, and 4.24 million kg of orthodox teas at ₹279.08/kg.
• Sales increased compared to previous years:

– In 2023, sold 56.85 million kg (CTC/dust) & 1.23 million kg (orthodox).
– In 2024, sold 62.11 million kg (CTC/dust) & 2.18 million kg (orthodox).- growth trajectory: CTC/dust rose by ~16% in volume from the previous year; orthodox tea nearly doubled (~94% increase).

• Price trends varied:

– CTC/Dust price peaked in 2024 with a sharp rise (+22%), correcting by ~11% in 2025 but staying above the levels observed in earlier years.
– Orthodox tea prices steadily appreciated across both years (+21% in ’24; +4% in ’25).

• Production Update: Assam’s tea crop saw decreased output (-25 mn kg till Aug.), with total production noted as lower than normal averages.
• Dust-grade Tea Insights:

– Of GTAC’s registered manufacturers, over half supplied bulk (>10K/kg), achieving higher prices (~₹232 vs ₹181 for smaller volumes).Quality differences cited as a key factor for pricing disparity.

• Export Context:

– U.S., impacted by high tariffs on Indian tea imports, accounted for only ~1.33% (15+ mn kgs shipped/exported previously).

Representational photo | Photo Credit – The Hindu

Indian Opinion Analysis

the data reveals resilience within India’s domestic market despite ongoing global challenges like U.S tariffs dampening direct export prospects temporarily due to low relative shares (<2%). Robust rises-especially among Assam producers aligned w/mega buyers-highlight internal distribution strengthening quality-differentials sharpening lucrative.avg