Cost pressure as geopolitics reshapes tea trade routes

Kenya's tea exporters are facing geopolitical tensions that disrupt traditional supply chains. In 2025, the country exported 652.8 million kilograms of tea, a 9.8% increase from the previous year, but earnings rose only 2.87% to Sh186.91 billion. Rising logistics costs have surged due to necessary detours after shipping lines avoided the Red Sea route, leading to longer delivery times and uncertainties for buyers.