Guwahati, March 4: The ongoing conflict in West Asia is set to have a definite impact on India’s tea industry, particularly exports from Assam, the Assam Branch president of the Tea Association of India (TAI) said on March 4.
Dipanjol Deka expressed concern that the escalation in the Middle East had come at a time when Assam’s tea exports had begun to show signs of improvement. “This war in the Middle East will definitely impact our tea industry in Assam and the tea industry of India in general,” he said.
He noted that a substantial portion of Indian tea bound for West Asian markets is routed through the United Arab Emirates, particularly Dubai, which functions as a major re-export hub in the region. “These teas are usually rerouted through the UAE, which is Dubai, and Dubai acts as a re-exporting centre in the Middle East. This has come at a time when Assam exports have just been better,” he said.
Deka cautioned that even if there is a political transition in Iran, stability in the market would not return immediately. “Even if this regime in Iran changes, under a new regime it will take time to settle down. It is very bad news for the Assam tea market,” he added.
The conflict intensified after military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei along with other senior figures. In retaliation, Tehran launched counter-strikes targeting American military bases and Israeli assets across the region.
Meanwhile, authorities in Dubai confirmed that a fire that broke out near the premises of the US Consulate General Dubai late Tuesday night following a suspected drone-related incident had been fully extinguished, with no injuries reported.
With the conflict entering its fourth day, exporters fear that prolonged instability in West Asia could disrupt trade routes and dampen demand in one of the key overseas markets for Indian tea.
