List of Top 10 Largest Tea Exporting Countries

The top 10 largest tea exporting countries are China, Kenya, Sri Lanka, India, Poland, Germany, Japan, UAE, UK, and Vietnam. These countries export a wide variety of teas, including black tea, green tea, oolong tea, and white tea. Some of the most famous teas in the world come from these countries, such as Darjeeling tea from India, Ceylon tea from Sri Lanka, and Assam tea from India. The top 10 tea exporting countries play an important role in making tea available to people everywhere.

In this article, we will look into the list of the top 10 largest tea exporting countries along with their total tea export value.

The global tea export price per tonne in 2021 was $4,094. The US dollar index of tea has risen by 23.6% from an average of US$3,313 per ton in 2020, indicating a major increase in demand with further price increases on the way. Black tea accounts for 75.6% of global tea output, making it the largest tea category, with India, Sri Lanka, and Kenya being the leading producers. Indian black tea is produced in three major regions: Assam, the world’s largest, in the northeast; Darjeeling, in the north; and Nilgiri in the northwest. The majority of Taiwan’s primary tea exports are high mountain teas. Nantou County, for example, produced over 7,000 tons of tea in 2021, whereas Chiayi County produced approximately 2,000 tonnes.

The below table lists the top 10 largest tea exporting countries:

In 2022, China’s total tea export volume was approximately 375,300 tons valued at US$ 2.1 billion, which is 1.59% more than the previous year and more than a fourth of the global total.

• China sells several kinds of tea, including green tea, black tea, oolong tea, scented tea, and so on. Green tea is the largest segment, accounting for 83.6% of total tea exports.
• The majority of Chinese tea exports were to Northern and Western African countries, with Morocco being the largest purchaser.
• Chinese tea exporters prioritize quality control measures to maintain the reputation of their products in international markets.
• China consistently leads global tea exports, exporting significant quantities of tea annually to various countries around the world.

Kenya is the major exporter of black tea, whereas China is the largest exporter of green tea.

• Kenya is also Africa’s largest tea-producing country. Kenya’s tea export volume increased to 410 million kg in 2022, from 388 million kg in 2021.
• Kenyan tea exports generated more than US$ 1.2 billion in 2022, ranking second, due to the country’s weak shilling.
• Kenya tea’s key export markets include Pakistan, Egypt, Yemen, Sudan, and the United Arab Emirates.
• The average price per tonne of exported tea has been rising since the Kenyan shilling fell in 2022. Until May 2023, it had achieved its greatest level in eight years.

Sri Lanka was the third largest tea exporter in 2022, with a total of 250.19 million kg.

• Compared to 2021, tea volume decreased by 25.82 million kg in all categories, including bulk tea, tea bags, and bagged tea. Along with that, the total value has declined to US$ 732.4 million.
• Sri Lanka is known for its characteristic Ceylon tea, which has a unique flavor and taste.
• Approximately half of this country’s tea exports are value-added, particularly tea in packs and bags.
• In 2022, Sri Lanka exported tea to more than 140 countries. Iraq is the leading importer of Sri Lanka tea, followed by Russia, the UAE, Turkey, and Iran.

Despite the hurdles, India’s total tea export volume increased by nearly 18% in 2022, reaching around 230 million kg.

• Despite a major decrease in Iran’s purchases, demand from Russia, CIS countries, and West Asia has increased, increasing Indian tea exports.
• The United Arab Emirates, Russia, the United States, Iran, and the United Kingdom are major importers of Indian tea, with Assam and Darjeeling teas being particularly popular.
• However, the outlook for 2023 is not bright. The reduction in demand from some traditional markets, such as Europe, and payment troubles with Iran hurt India’s tea exports.
• In addition to the Gulf countries and the recovery of Sri Lanka’s crop, the Russia-Ukraine conflict has also contributed to this situation.

Tea exports make up around 0.073% of Poland’s overall exports.

• In 2022, Poland was the one of the biggest tea exporters in Central and Eastern Europe, with a total export value of US$ 262.8 million.
• Although this figure fell by 3.85% from 2021, this country remained one of the world’s leading tea exporters.
• Major destinations for Polish tea included France, the United States, Australia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
• Among many different kinds of tea, black tea accounted for more than 76% of total tea exports.

Tea products from Germany have achieved popularity in various markets and spread across national borders.

• Despite the epidemic and crisis in 2021 and 2022, the tea business in Germany experienced some excellent results.
• Germany enjoyed strong demand from overseas markets, particularly Europe. In 2022, more than 21 thousand tonnes of tea were shipped to over 100 countries, with a total value of $242.5 million.
• The country’s tea market is characterized by several tea types, including black tea, green tea, herbal tea blends, and fruit infusions.
• Tea consumption in Germany is strongly rooted in the culture, and it is a popular beverage throughout the country.

Green tea is the most popular type of tea exported from Japan. Shipments of Japanese tea totaled approximately US$ 189.9 million in 2022.

• Also, green tea had the greatest increase, up almost 50% in 2017, and it is expected to rise again in the first months of 2023, including high-priced matcha powder.
• The United States is the largest market for Japanese green tea, accounting for 34% of total tea exports, followed by Germany and Taiwan.
• The extension of green tea-producing areas, the Japanese government’s backing, and the rising global demand for matcha have all contributed to the increase in tea exports.
• The majority of tea produced in Japan is consumed domestically, with Japanese green tea, particularly varieties like Sencha, Gyokuro, and Matcha, being highly prized both within Japan and internationally.

Tea has long been an integral part of Arab culture. The United Arab Emirates is a major global hub in the tea export business.

• In 2021, the UAE exported over $152.2 million worth of tea. The overall value of tea exports is predicted to rise further by 2025.
• The UAE has a presence in over 154 countries worldwide, and the top importers of UAE tea are Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Russia, and China.
• Tea importers and distributors in the UAE source tea from countries like India, Sri Lanka, China, Kenya, and Japan.
• The UAE’s tea market is characterized by a growing preference for premium and specialty teas, driven by factors such as health consciousness, lifestyle trends, and the influence of international cuisine.

In addition to being one of the world’s largest tea consumers, the United Kingdom ranks in the top ten tea exporters.

• However, the tea export value in 2022 was down over 9% from 2021, at US$ 135.7 million, with a total value of around 17 thousand tonnes.
• The major tea importers in the United Kingdom were Ireland, the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, and France.
• The UK’s tea market is diverse, including various types of tea, including black tea, green tea, herbal tea blends, and specialty teas.
• Brands such as Twinings, Yorkshire Tea, PG Tips, and Typhoo are well-known in the UK and have a presence in international markets.

Vietnam is a major tea producer and exporter in the globe. Vietnam’s tea exports in 2022 were excellent, increasing in both volume and value.

• The overall volume and value of tea exports in 2022 were 146 million kg and US$ 130.7 million, up 15.3% in volume and 10.7% in value from 2021, representing double-digit growth.
• Vietnamese imports primarily target easy-to-please markets such as Pakistan, Russia, China, and Indonesia, accounting for 74 importers.
• Vietnam’s tea exports are distributed to numerous countries, with key markets including Russia, China, Pakistan, Taiwan, and the United States.
• Vietnam’s tea industry is increasingly adopting sustainable practices and pursuing certifications such as organic and Fair Trade.

In conclusion, tea industry is an important part of the global economy. Tea is a popular beverage in many countries around the world, and its consumption is increasing. The top 10 tea exporting countries play a major role in meeting this demand. These countries produce and export a variety of teas, including black tea, green tea, oolong tea, and white tea. Each country has its own unique tea culture and traditions. Tea is an important part of the economy of many of these countries, and it provides employment for millions of people.

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Which country is the largest tea exporter in the world?

China holds the title of the largest tea exporter globally.

What types of tea does India primarily export?

India primarily exports black tea, although it also produces green, white, and specialty teas.

What is Kenya known for in terms of its tea exports?

Kenya is renowned for its high-quality black tea, favored for its brisk flavor and bright color.

What is unique about Sri Lanka’s tea industry?

Sri Lanka’s tea industry is known for producing Ceylon tea, characterized by its distinct flavor profiles and diverse growing regions.

Which country is famous for its jasmine-scented green tea?

Vietnam is well-known for producing jasmine-scented green tea, appreciated for its delicate fragrance.

What role does Indonesia play in the global tea trade?

Indonesia is a significant exporter of specialty teas, including unique varieties like jasmine tea and unique herbal blends.

Which South American country is among the top tea exporters?

Argentina is a notable tea exporter, known for its yerba mate, a caffeinated herbal infusion.

What type of tea is Japan famous for?

Japan is renowned for its green teas, particularly varieties like Sencha, Matcha, and Gyokuro.