Egypt's political unrest places Kenyan exporters under pressure
Kenya's tea industry is scrambling to stem the fallout caused by recent political unrest in Egypt, Kenya's main export market that accounts for roughly one-fifth of its foreign tea trade. Exporters are seeking alternative buyers in China, Pakistan, Sudan, Somalia and Europe to absorb some of the losses suffered following more than two weeks of political demonstrations that led to the ousting of Egypt's president. Reports on the ground suggest that not a single order from Egypt was placed at last week's tea auction. The slump also coincides with increased crop production due to a long rain season, which is likely to further depress falling prices. Kenya is on course to produce a total of 410 million kilograms of tea in 2013.