NAIROBI, Kenya, June 14 – Tea exports from Kenya dropped by 26 percent in the first quarter of this year, weighed down by the crisis in Sudan and forex challenges in Pakistan and Egypt.
Data from the Kenya Tea Board shows that tea exports fell from 135 million kilograms to 99.8 million kilos.
While exports to Khartoum decreased by 59 percent, orders from Pakistan fell by 48 percent.
The drops came at a time when exports to key markets such as Pakistan, among others, were facing dollar challenges, inhibiting their ability to buy the green leaves.
Sudan has been under fierce fighting between two military camps.
Traders expect orders for the commodity to decline amid unrest in the country.
Tea is one of Kenya’s top export earners, generating billions of shillings annually.
Last year, the country earned Sh138 billion on increased sales, highlighting its importance to the economy.
However, exports to the United Kingdom increased by 16 percent to 11 million kilos.
