Pakistan leading tea importer of Kenya in February 2011 with 7.1 million kilos

Nairobi, March 22, 2011 (PPI): Pakistan was the leading tea importer from Kenya with 7.1 million kilos in February 2011, which accounted for 24 per cent of total exports.

Pakistan was followed by United Kingdom, Afghanistan and United Arab Emirates, Tea Board of Kenya Managing Director Ms Sicily Kariuki said on Tuesday.

During February 2011, a total of 32.2 million kilos were exported to 33 market destinations compared to 37.5 million kilos exported to same number of destinations in corresponding month of 2010. Average price of Kenya tea dropped slightly to $3.07 a kilo compared to $3.13 recorded in February 2010.

She said dry weather in tea growing areas in February pushed down tea production 23 per cent to 26.7 million kilos from 34.8 million kilos recorded in February 2010. Drought affected production in all tea growing regions owing to lower supply of green leaf to the factories.

In addition to impact of drought, green leaf supply within West of Rift was also affected by incidences of frost in a few areas caused by extreme temperatures recorded during the month, the tea regulator said.

Ms Kariuki said due to lower green leaf supplies during the month, most factories were operating below their normal production capacities. “In addition, tea plucking cycle was reduced from six to four days in a week. However situation may change in next two months with onset of long rains (March to May).”