The first of the world’s three major beverages is tea. Tea is of irreplaceable importance to the world, and as such a huge commodity, countries must compete to manufacture and export. In addition to a good geographical environment, the cultivation of tea requires excellent techniques to meet the needs of the market. The top five tea importing countries in the world are the United Kingdom, Russia, Pakistan, the United States and Egypt, and their imports account for about 60% of the world’s total imports.

In addition to drinking tea for daily leisure, its nutritional value can also improve health and work efficiency. As the population grows, the demand for tea also increases, but in which countries is it produced? In this article, let’s take a look at the countries that rank high as global tea producers.

What are world tea-producing countries?

Top 10 World Tea-Producing Country Ranking

1.China – World Tea-Producing Ranking

China is the world’s largest tea producer, with an annual output of more than 2 million tonnes, accounting for 40% of the world’s tea production.

Tea mainly produced in Yunnan, Guangdong, and Zhejiang is an important part of China’s social structure and plays an important role in economic development and daily life. Emperor Shennong began to drink tea in 2737 BC, and since then it has been regarded as not only a beverage, but a medicine.

China is famous for many teas like green, black, oolong, yellow and white teas, all of which are very popular. China’s tea development is one of the most important in the world from planting to production.

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2.India – World Tea-Producing Ranking

Introduced by the British along the Silk Road, India comes in second with 1.2 million tonnes of tea produced annually. India has over 100 rainy days and up to 4000 mm of rainfall annually, ideal for growing tea. There are tens of thousands of tea plantations in India, but large quantities are mainly grown in Darjeeling, Nilgiri and Assam.

In addition to tea production, Indians also love to drink tea, approximately 1 billion tonnes every year or 1/3 of the global production. In particular, early Indians also used tea as a medicinal herb with added milk and spices.

3.Kenya – World Tea-Producing Ranking

Kenya is the largest tea producer in Africa, with an annual production of about 305,000 tonnes, mainly from the areas of Kericho, Nyambene Hills and Nandi.
Although Kenya ranks third in terms of total output value, it is the world’s largest producer of black tea, with more than 500,000 Kenyan farmers.

Although Kenya is close to the equator, the excellent soil conditions make the tea grown stable in quality. At present, plantation area is still increasing, which is very promising.

From lush plantations that paint the landscapes with their verdant hues, the tea-producing ranking of the world showcases the harmony between nature’s bounty and human devotion. It’s a dance of fertile soil and skilled hands that yields cups of warmth, ready to enchant with every sip.

Tea Classroom – world tea-producing countries

4.Sri Lanka – World Tea-Producing Ranking

Sri Lanka is synonymous with black tea, and ranks fourth in the world in terms of output, at about 300,000 tonnes per year. Tea in Sri Lanka is mainly grown in the central region where the natural alpine humidity, cool temperatures and rainfall provide a climate conducive to the production of high quality tea. Tea exports account for 2% of Sri Lanka’s GDP.

5.Turkey – World Tea-Producing Ranking

The largest tea producing country in the Middle East is Turkey, which produces about 170,000 tonnes of tea every year. Since Turkey was located on the trade route in ancient times, it was naturally influenced to produce and consume tea by the communication between the Chinese and Europeans.

North of Rize is a small tea producing city with 200,000 of its 350,000 residents reaping the economic benefits. Turks evidently love black tea with an average of 3.5 kilograms of black tea consumed per capita every year.

6.Indonesia – World Tea-Producing Ranking

Indonesia produces about 157,000 tonnes of black and green tea from the Indian Assam variant, widely influenced by the Dutch colonial period. Indonesian tea is famous for its higher than average catechins, anti-oxidation, intestinal and cardiovascular properties. It is mainly grown on mountainous islands such as Sulawesi, Sumatra and Java.

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7.Vietnam – World Tea-Producing Ranking

Vietnam, which was colonised by France in the early days, produces about 110,000 tonnes of green, dark and white tea a year, mostly from the northern province of Ampei. Vietnam’s green tea is different from other countries, being far milder in taste.

Because Vietnam’s post-gas environment is very suitable for growing green tea, it can be seen on flat ground, high in the mountains, and even in private yards.

8.Japan – World Tea-Producing Ranking

With an annual output of about 89,000 tonnes, Japanese tea is popular all over the world. It is mainly produced in Shizuoka, Kagoshima and Uji. Tea drinking has huge cultural significance in Japanese culture.

It was introduced by Buddhist monks in the early days, and it flourished during the reign of Emperor Saga, which resulted in a nationwide spread.

Japanese sencha and matcha are unique green teas in Japan, and although the scale of tea production has shrunk due to the epidemic in 2020, the export value has increased year on year.

9.Iran – World Tea-Producing Ranking

Iran produces 80,000 tons of tea leaves annually, with the primary tea production taking place in the Gilan region along the Caspian Sea. Iran has been cultivating tea since the 15th century, introduced through ancient trade routes. Iranians, much like Turks, have a strong affinity for consuming black tea and often add a significant amount of sugar. Currently, Iran ranks among the top 10 tea-producing countries in the world.

10.Argentina – World Tea-Producing Ranking

Argentina is the only top 10 tea producing country located in South America, with an annual output of 70,000 tonnes. Despite Argentina being a country with limited areas suitable for growing tea, it still manages to retain 10th place in the world.

In particular, the region suitable for growing tea in Argentina also happens to be very close to the latitude of Taiwan, so the tea produced in Argentina is also named after Formosa.

From the emerald hills where tea leaves embrace sunlight to the artisans’ hands that nurture them, the tea producing ranking reflects nature’s most cherished collaboration. Each leaf tells a tale of terroir, skill, and dedication, painting a vivid portrait of the world’s diverse landscapes in a single cup.

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Who is the world’s top tea producer? ABoxTik gives you the best quality tea series.

Here is the ranking of tea-producing countries worldwide. Although Taiwan is not on the list, the quality of Taiwanese tea is widely recognized. ABoxTik offers carefully selected tea from small-scale farmers in Taiwan, packaged as premium products. You can find teas like Jinxuan Oolong, Honey Red Oolong, and Winter Sprout Four Seasons Spring, all available for purchase online. Treat yourself to a cup of fine tea in the comfort of your home!

ABoxTik will continue to bring everyone different tea knowledge, including history and various analyses of tea culture. In hopes for everyone to acquire a better understanding of tea, please read through our articles. If you are interested in various tea cultures, as well as the history and knowledge of tea, you are welcome to explore more secrets of tea with ABoxTik products. Continue to follow our article updates, and visit our official website!