India opts for tougher export regulation
In an effort to stop low quality tea taking a toll on its exports, India has announced plans to put together a governmental policy aimed at ensuring a quality standard for tea exported abroad. The regulatory framework would set a benchmark price for tea exports in an effort to keep a check on quality. The move comes in response to a nearly 30% plunge in exports in 2007, mainly due to instability in Iraq and an appreciating Rupee. As the world's fourth largest tea exporter, India exports the bulk of its tea to Russia, United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom, and anticipates exports to reach 190 million kilograms in 2008.