Bangladesh's tea imports fell to a decade low of just 50,000 kilogrammes (kg) in 2025 as growing domestic production increasingly met local demand, while exports continued their recovery, according to data presented at the 6th National Tea Day celebration in Sreemangal on Saturday.
Industry statistics show tea imports have declined sharply from 8.83 million kg in 2016 to only 0.05 million kg in 2025.
At the same time, tea exports have staged a notable recovery over the past five years, rising to 1.64 million kg in 2025 from 0.68 million kg in 2021.
Top tea gardens, organisations and individuals received awards in recognition of their contributions to production, quality improvement, exports, marketing innovation and workers' welfare during the National Tea Day programme in Sreemangal.
According to data from the Bangladesh Tea Board, national tea production reached 94.63 million kg in 2025, up from 85.05 million kg in 2016.
The country's average tea yield per acre also improved over the decade, increasing from 643 kg in 2016 to 829 kg in 2024, reflecting higher productivity despite periodic weather-related fluctuations.
Speaking at the programme, lawmaker Md Mujibur Rahman Chowdhury said tea is closely linked to Bangladesh's history, economy and the livelihoods of millions of people.
"Tea is not merely a beverage; it is an important economic sector. We must move forward with renewed commitment to make the industry more modern, sustainable and internationally competitive," he said.
He noted that more than 160 tea gardens and thousands of small-scale tea growers are making significant contributions to the national economy, while Bangladeshi tea is increasingly finding its place in international markets.
The lawmaker stressed the importance of ensuring fair wages, better housing, education, healthcare and social security for tea workers, and called for integrated planning to support both industry growth and workers' welfare.
Commerce Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan said the government remains committed to the sustainable development of the tea sector and to improving the living standards of tea workers.
Bangladesh Tea Board Chairman Md Mesbah Uddin Ahmed said all licensing and operational services of the Tea Board have now been digitised.
He also highlighted the role of improved tea varieties developed by the Bangladesh Tea Research Institute in increasing production and supporting the development of value-added tea products aimed at expanding exports.
Among the award recipients, Mirzapur Tea Garden was named Best Tea Garden in recognition of its outstanding contribution to workers' welfare.
In the worker category, Ms Jasmin Orao of Nepucha Tea Garden received the award for Best Tea Leaf Plucker.
As a special recognition marking the occasion, Sristi Tea Limited, located in the Jagdal area of Panchagarh Sadar Upazila, was selected as the Best Bought Leaf Tea Factory.
Md Moyezur Rahman of Atwari Upazila in Panchagarh was named Best Small-Scale Tea Producer.
tonmoy.wardad@gmail.com
© 2026 - All Rights with The Financial Express
