Tea is the world’s 2nd most commonly consumed beverage after water, but its popularity doesn’t seem to fade. Although the majority of countries make their own tea, others rely on imports in order to meet demand. We will explore the data on tea imports from each of the countries in this article, as well as examine which countries are major importers, where they obtain their tea, and what factors affect their decision to import. The analysis of these data gives us the opportunity to find out more about global tea markets and better understanding what drives them.

Facts:

• In 2021, the global purchases of imported tea reached US$6.6 billion.
• The world’s largest importer of tea is Pakistan, followed by the United States and Russia.
• China is the world’s largest exporter of tea, followed by India and Kenya.
• The most commonly imported tea variety is black tea, followed by green tea and flavored tea blends.

What are the top 10 tea-importing countries in the world?

1. Pakistan          

Pakistan became the world’s top importer of tea, with imports totaling $596.48 million in 2021. Tea represented the 19th largest imported product in Pakistan at that time. The primary importers of tea in Pakistan are Kenya ($471M), Vietnam ($72.1M), Rwanda ($33.1M), Uganda ($14.3M), and Burundi ($9.33M). 

Pakistan’s fastest-growing import markets for tea between 2020 and 2021 were Rwanda ($4.42M), Vietnam ($2.87M), and Malawi ($513k).

2. United States            

The United States became the world’s 2nd largest importer of tea, with imports totaling $531.76 million in 2021. Tea represented the 496th most imported product in the United States at that time. The primary importers of tea in the United States are Japan ($93.5M), India ($68.6M), China ($63.8M), Argentina ($53.9M), and Sri Lanka ($40.7M).

United States fastest-growing import markets for tea between 2020 and 2021 were Japan ($13.9M), Chinese Taipei ($11.3M), and China ($10.6M).

3. Russia  

Russia became the world’s 3rd largest importer of tea, with imports totaling $436.24 million in 2021. Tea represented the 162nd most imported product in Russia at that time. The primary importers of tea in Russia are Sri Lanka ($122M), India ($86.7M), China ($51M), Kenya ($49.8M), and United Arab Emirates ($25.7M).

Russia’s fastest-growing import markets for tea between 2020 and 2021 were China ($12M), Kenya ($6.21M), and United Arab Emirates ($3.51M).

4. United Kingdom   

The United Kingdom became the world’s 4th largest importer of tea, with imports totaling $307.44 million in 2021. Tea represented the 346th most imported product in the United Kingdom at that time. The primary importers of tea in the United Kingdom are Kenya ($114M), India ($42.4M), Switzerland ($18.5M), Malawi ($15.5M), and Poland ($15.4M).

United Kingdom’s fastest-growing import markets for tea between 2020 and 2021 were Switzerland ($5.5M), Burundi ($3.5M), and India ($3.22M).

5. Hong Kong SAR     

Hong Kong became the world’s 5th largest importer of tea, with imports totaling $262.14 million in 2021. Tea represented the 110th most imported product in Hong Kong at that time. The primary importers of tea in Hong Kong are China ($460M), Sri Lanka ($20.2M), Japan ($8.63M), Chinese Taipei ($7.32M), and the United Kingdom ($4.15M).

Hong Kong’s fastest-growing import markets for tea between 2020 and 2021 were China ($188M), Sri Lanka ($3.48M), and the United Kingdom ($2.76M).

6. Germany       

Germany became the world’s 6th largest importer of tea, with imports totaling $244.85 million in 2021. Tea represented the 580th most imported product in Germany at that time. The primary importers of tea in Germany are India ($55.2M), China ($43.7M), Sri Lanka ($36M), Japan ($19.2M), and the Netherlands ($11.9M).

Germany’s fastest-growing import markets for tea between 2020 and 2021 were India ($14.2M), China ($9.79M), and Japan ($7.41M).

7. Egypt     

Egypt became the world’s 7th largest importer of tea, with imports totaling $221.13 million in 2021. Tea represented the 89th most imported product in Egypt at that time. The primary importers of tea in Egypt are Kenya ($170M), Jordan ($14.8M), Sri Lanka ($11.4M), Rwanda ($11.4M), and United Arab Emirates ($6.72M).

Egypt’s fastest-growing import markets for tea between 2020 and 2021 were Kenya ($22M), Jordan ($11.5M), and Rwanda ($1.2M).

8. Morocco         

Morocco became the world’s 8th largest importer of tea, with imports totaling $207.44 million in 2021. Tea represented the 49th most imported product in Morocco at that time. The primary importers of tea in Morocco are China ($214M), Germany ($3.06M), France ($1.3M), Poland ($1.2M), and Japan ($713k).

Morocco’s fastest-growing import markets for tea between 2020 and 2021 were China ($19.6M), Japan ($548k), and Canada ($412k).

9. Vietnam           

Vietnam became the world’s 9th largest importer of tea, with imports totaling $192.21 million in 2021. Tea represented the 287th most imported product in Vietnam at that time. The primary importers of tea in Vietnam are China ($107M), Hong Kong ($34.3M), Malaysia ($27.4M), Indonesia ($4.19M), and Sri Lanka ($1.77M).

Vietnam’s fastest-growing import markets for tea between 2020 and 2021 were Hong Kong ($9.45M), Malaysia ($6.52M), and Sri Lanka ($669k).

10. Saudi Arabia           

Saudi Arabia became the world’s 10th largest importer of tea, with imports totaling $188.86 million in 2021. Tea represented the 176th most imported product in Saudi Arabia at that time. The primary importers of tea in Saudi Arabia are United Arab Emirates ($65.5M), Sri Lanka ($48.5M), Jordan ($18.4M), India ($17.3M), and Yemen ($9.82M).

Saudi Arabia’s fastest-growing import markets for tea between 2020 and 2021 were Jordan ($4.59M), Oman ($740k), and the United Kingdom ($260k).

What changes have occurred in tea import trends during the last decade?

In the last ten years, global tea production increased by an annual growth rate of 4.7 percent and reached 28.2 million tonnes in 2021. Over the past ten years, world consumption of tea has also grown by 3.5 percent, and this can be attributed to high growth in producing countries that have outpaced a subdued demand for imports into traditional markets like European Union, Russia, Canada, and the United States.

In addition, due to the real or perceived health advantages, there is a growing interest in higher quality specialty teas with specific flavors, green tea, and herbal and fruit teas in different markets, especially in Europe.

History Of Tea Drinking

Tea is the world’s second most popular beverage (behind water, of course) and is now grown on every continent except Antarctica. But where is the beginning of it? Here is an ancient Chinese legend that dates back almost 5,000 years and tells us how Emperor Shen Nung first found tea in boiling water when the wind blew some leaves into it.

In China and Japan, the popularity of tea has grown first. It was originally regarded as a medicinal beverage until it became the number one drink consumed in China during the 3rd century.

China traded tea leaves with Tibet, nomadic communities of the Indian Himalayas, Arabs, and Ottomans across the Silk Road by the 8th century. They’ve been pioneers in the consumption and trade of tea. In many countries, tea still plays a very important role in the culture. 

In fact, the Dutch traders introduced tea in Europe during the 16th century. In Britain, where it had become the national tradition, its popularity was growing more and more. 

Soon, it became among the most significant global commodities during the colonial era.

Most Popular Types Of Tea

Green, Black, and White teas are the most commonly used types of tea, and they are referred to as “true teas”.

1. Black Tea

The most popular tea consumed in the world is black tea. Black tea accounts for around 85% of all tea consumed in the United States.

Types of Black Tea:

• Assam Tea
• Darjeeling Tea
• Ceylon black Tea

Benefits of Black Tea: 

• Contains antioxidants, including catechins and polyphenols 
• Black tea is beneficial for your heart and can lower your chances of getting diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
• Increases energy and alertness with significant levels of caffeine

2. Green Tea

One of the oldest varieties of tea consumed in the world is green tea. It is also from a Camellia sinensis plant, as with all of the purest teas. Green tea has only half the caffeine of black tea and is considered to be a better, healthier product than black tea.

China and Japan are the main producing countries of green tea, with minor changes in how it is processed, explaining different types of tea. After harvesting, Japanese green teas are steamed for a few days, while Chinese green teas are heated or pan-fried.

Types of Green Tea

• Sencha Tea
• Gyokuro Tea
• Gunpowder
• Dragon Well

Benefits of Green Tea

• To help reduce inflammation, the product contains natural antioxidants, including polyphenols and catechins.
• Research has linked green tea drinkers to lower risks of cancer, age-related disorders such as Alzheimer’s and diabetes
•  It can improve the metabolic rate and burn fat

Here is a list of the largest tea importers by country, according to the World’s Top Exports:

Lastly, our analysis of tea imports by country has provided a range of useful information on the global tea market. While there are lots of countries that make huge amounts of tea, many others depend on imports in order to meet demand. China is the biggest exporter of tea worldwide, with Pakistan being the world’s largest importer. In addition, we have learned that the decision to import tea from some countries may also be influenced by factors like taste preferences, trade policies, and production costs.

Read More: Tea Leaves Production By Country (Top 46 Countries)