Pakistan spent over Rs 179 billion on tea imports during the fiscal year 2024–25, according to official data.
The country imported 246,514 metric tons of tea in FY25, down 4.2 percent from the 259,000 metric tons brought in the previous year. However, the import bill remained high at $629 million.
In June 2025 alone, tea imports reached 19,804 metric tons, costing $49.7 million or Rs. 14.18 billion, down 16.94 percent in volume compared to May 2025, which saw imports of 21,971 metric tons worth nearly $60 million.
Despite proposals to limit non-essential imports to protect foreign exchange reserves, tea has consistently been excluded because Pakistanis cannot get over it. Pakistan continues to rank among the top global tea importers and consumers.
It should be noted that tea is a popular drink in the country, as almost every citizen takes several cups of tea every day. There are millions of tea shops across the country offering hot tea around the clock.
