GTAC posts robust growth in tea sales, April–August 2025, orthodox segment emerges as key driver

Guwahati: The Guwahati Tea Auction Centre (GTAC), the world’s largest CTC tea auction hub and a cornerstone of Assam’s economy, has recorded strong growth in tea sales during April–August 2025, marking a significant rise in both volumes and value compared to previous years.

According to Guwahati Tea Auction Buyers Association (GTABA) secretary Dinesh Bihani, GTAC sold a total of 76.94 million kg of tea in the first five months of the financial year. Of this, 72.70 million kg comprised CTC and Dust teas at an average price of ₹223.30 per kg, while 4.24 million kg of Orthodox teas fetched an average of ₹279.08 per kg.

This reflects a substantial improvement over past years. In 2024, GTAC sold 62.11 million kg of CTC and Dust teas at ₹252 per kg and 2.18 million kg of Orthodox teas at ₹267.88 per kg. In 2023, volumes were lower still, with 56.85 million kg ofCTC and Dust sold at ₹205.37 per kg and 1.23 million kg of Orthodox teas at ₹221.60 per kg.

Year-on-year analysis highlights GTAC’s consistent upward trajectory. CTC and Dust volumes rose by 9.25% in 2024 over 2023, followed by a further 16.39% increase in 2025. Orthodox teas showed even stronger momentum, growing 77.24% in 2024 and nearly doubling again with a 94.50% rise in 2025.

Price trends, however, diverged. While CTC and Dust prices jumped 22.71% in 2024, they corrected by 11.39% in 2025—still remaining well above 2023 levels. Orthodox teas continued their steady appreciation, rising 20.88% in 2024 and another 4.18% in 2025.

Bihani attributed the higher auction prices in 2024 to a significant crop shortfall. “The Assam crop in 2024 was short by 25.9 million kg till August, with production at 375.57 million kg compared to 401.47 million kg the previous year. The shortfall, combined with the Tea Board’s early closure order from November 30, drove auction prices upward until October 2024. In 2025, crop output is expected to rise by 20–25%,” he said.

When compared with the normal crop year of 2023, average CTC and Dust prices in 2025 remain higher by ₹17.94 per kg.

GTAC’s strength also lies in its wide manufacturer participation. Of 1,078 active registered manufacturers, 902 sold Dust-grade teas through GTAC in April–August 2025.

Among them, 501 marks (55.5%) offered more than 10,000 kg, selling 22.6 million kg at an average of ₹232.44 per kg. In contrast, 401 marks (44.5%) sold less than 10,000 kg, totalling 1.70 million kg at an average of ₹181.73 per kg. The ₹50.71 price gap reflects the higher quality of teas offered in larger volumes.

The April–August sales also highlighted a clear divide between quality and plainer teas. A total of 40.86 million kg of teas sold above ₹200 per kg accounted for 56% of overall sales, achieving an average price of ₹272.13 per kg with only 29% unsold outlots.

By contrast, 31.65 million kg of teas sold below ₹200 per kg made up 44% of sales, averaging just ₹160.76 per kg, with outlots as high as 43%. This shows that good-quality teas continue to command strong demand and better realisations, while plainer grades struggle with weaker demand, lower prices, and higher unsold volumes.

While CTC and Dust continue to provide the volume backbone of GTAC, Orthodox teas are increasingly emerging as the growth driver. With expanding global demand and stronger price realisations, the segment is helping balance crop fluctuations and providing resilience to the auction ecosystem.

Overall, GTAC has demonstrated resilience in managing production shortfalls, price dynamics, and demand fluctuations while maintaining its position as the world’s largest CTC tea auction centre. With volumes rising steadily and Orthodox teas adding momentum, industry observers believe GTAC is well-placed to strengthen Assam’s global standing in the tea trade in the years ahead.