Tension over Strait of Hormuz threatens India’s tea exports to Gulf markets

KOLKATA, Mar 5: Indian tea exports could face significant disruption if tensions in West Asia escalate further and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is affected, according to the Tea Association of India. The association said a substantial portion of India’s tea shipments to key markets in the Persian Gulf region, including Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, pass through the strategic strait. Iran said it will not allow vessels through this strait except for Chinese cargo. In 2025, India exported about 280 million kg of tea, of which nearly 41 per cent, 115…