Forthcoming free trade agreements with the UK and the European Union are likely to open fresh export pathways for Assam’s tea industry, improving its access to premium markets and strengthening competitiveness. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasised that while India’s domestic market remains robust, the operationalisation of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with the United Kingdom and the European Union will be a major breakthrough, opening vital new corridors for Assam’s tea exports.
The sector is also undergoing a structural shift from bulk exports to value-added products. Assam tea is increasingly being used in cosmetic, medicinal and Ayurvedic formulations, reflecting a move towards product diversification, branding and higher returns rather than dependence on raw tea exports.
Key points:
- Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made these remarks while speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.
- He emphasized that Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with the UK and the EU will provide a major breakthrough for India’s tea industry, particularly Assam tea, by opening vital new export corridors and markets.
- India’s domestic tea market is already very strong, but these FTAs will create additional global opportunities and help stabilize the sector while empowering local growers.
- Himanta Biswa Sarma described Assam tea as more than just raw tea — the state is launching innovative new products with huge cosmetic value, medicinal value, and blends incorporating Ayurvedic elements.
