India's output predicted to drop in 2009
As announced by the chairman of India's Tea Association, country's plantations will experience a shortfall of at least 75 million kg of tea to kickstart the next tea season in April 2009. Production is forecast to remain stagnant, as both domestic and export demands are expected to rise by about 35 million kg. The association also pointed out that there would be no carryover stock for next year, which could drive up prices.