Tea remains a staple in Pakistani households, keeping demand strong nationwide.
Pakistan Spends Over Rs179 Billion on Tea Imports in FY2024-25. Pakistanis consumed tea worth more than Rs179 billion during fiscal year 2024-25, official data confirms. The country imported 246,514 metric tons of tea, costing $629 million over the year. Interestingly, Pakistan’s foreign reserves also increased by $5 billion in the same period.
Tea imports fell 4.2% compared to FY2023-24’s 259,000 metric tons.
Despite the decline in quantity, the tea bill stayed high due to inflation and rupee depreciation. Tea remains a staple in Pakistani households, keeping demand strong nationwide.
In June 2025 alone, Pakistan imported 19,804 metric tons of tea. The June tea bill crossed Rs14.18 billion, with foreign spending at over $49.7 million. This marked a 16.94% drop in volume compared to May 2025 imports. May recorded the highest monthly tea bill at nearly $60 million. The yearly drop may reflect shifting consumption or stricter import controls.
Still, high costs show tea’s priority in Pakistan’s import basket. Pakistan is one of the world’s top tea importers and consumers. Tea holds deep cultural importance in homes and hospitality traditions.
Economists warn that tea imports add pressure to Pakistan’s trade deficit. Officials have discussed reducing luxury imports to protect foreign reserves. Tea remains exempt from such restrictions due to its essential role.
