June 15/Sri Lanka/Daily News -- Over 72% of the global tea production comes from China, India, Kenya and Sri Lanka. Despite adversities and strong competition from substitutes, the world tea production increased from 3.4 million metric tons (MT) in 2006 to 3.6 million MT in 2007 and to about 3.8 million MT in both 2008 and 2009. About 45% of the global tea production is for retail markets.
It is estimated that the shortfall in global tea supplies will rise to nearly 140-150 million kilograms this year from about 120 million kg in 2009 - and that tea drinkers will have to pay more for their beloved brew or shift to substitutes.