Uganda's Tea Value Drops As Competition Stiffens At Auction

The value of Uganda's tea has fallen at the Mombasa Auction Market to $1.09 per kilogramme compared to last year's $1.34 per kilo, a Uganda Tea Association (UTA) official said recently, reports, David Muwanga.

"Uganda's position in tea export is being threatened by the increasing volumes of tea at the auction market in Mombasa," Isaac Munabi, the UTA executive secretary, said in an interview.

He said countries were producing more while new entrants like Vietnam had increased supply.

"There is need for the Government to help local industries become competitive by reducing the cost of doing business," Munabi said.

The tea sector was ranked the fourth largest foreign exchange earner during 2004. (mes)

Source : http://allafrica.com