In the first half of 2025, the price of herbal infusion tea showed a rising trend influenced by several global and regional factors. Key among these was the growing cost pressure in the broader tea industry, especially in Kenya, a major tea exporter.
The Kenyan government's move to halt Rainforest Alliance certification due to high costs signaled deeper financial stress on smallholders, indirectly affecting the supply chain and raising concerns about the sustainability and ethical sourcing of all tea types, including herbal variants.
Meanwhile, import patterns also played a role. India’s sharp increase in tea imports from Kenya caused alarm among local producers, indicating price instability in traditional markets. This situation likely encouraged a shift in demand towards herbal and specialty teas, perceived as cleaner or more premium. Additionally, with Assam and West Bengal suffering production drops and early harvest closures, supply disruptions pushed up prices across tea categories, including herbal blends.
Bangladesh, another significant producer, reported reduced output due to erratic weather and a focus on quality over quantity. Though herbal teas are not a primary export for Bangladesh, the overall reduced tea availability contributed to higher costs in alternative categories, including herbal infusions. Compounded by the global inflationary environment and tariff pressures in markets like the U.S., costs increased for both producers and consumers.