Pakistan spent a staggering Rs. 179 billion on tea imports during the fiscal year 2024–25, according to official data. Despite a 4.2% decline in the volume of tea imported, the import bill remained high at $629 million, reflecting the nation’s unwavering love for tea.

The country imported 246,514 metric tons of tea in FY25, down from 259,000 metric tons in the previous fiscal year. In June 2025 alone, tea imports totaled 19,804 metric tons, costing $49.7 million (Rs. 14.18 billion). This marked a 16.94% drop in volume compared to May 2025, which saw imports of 21,971 metric tons worth nearly $60 million.

Tea: A National Obsession
Despite repeated proposals to curb non-essential imports to protect dwindling foreign exchange reserves, tea has consistently been excluded from such restrictions. The beverage remains a staple in Pakistani households, cementing the country’s position as one of the world’s top tea importers and consumers.

The high import bill underscores the challenge of reducing reliance on imported goods, even as the government grapples with economic pressures. Tea, it seems, is one indulgence Pakistanis are unwilling to compromise on.