Tea is one of the most popular drinks in the world and is grown in many countries. Each country adds something special to the global tea market. Several countries are the biggest tea producers among them, and their rich history, wide range of products, and significant output have shaped the business.
List of Top 10 Tea Producing Countries in the World
Here is the list of the 10 biggest tea producers in the world.
- China
- India
- Kenya
- Sri Lanka
- Turkey
- Indonesia
- Vietnam
- Japan
- Iran
- Argentina
1) China
China is the world’s top tea producer in the world. China’s tea production surged to almost 2,400,000 metric tons in 2024, securing its leadership position in the sector. Originating in the Yunnan Province, where tea was first found, the country has a rich tea tradition that dates back several millennia.
Provinces with humid weather and rich soils, such as Sichuan, Fujian, and Zhejiang, are well-known for being the best places in the world to cultivate tea. Chinese tea is incredibly diverse, with green tea accounting for around 70% of production, and then black, oolong, white, and Pu-erh teas. With different flavors and processing methods for each species, green tea alone offers a range of regional delicacies, like Longjing (Dragon Well) and Biluochun.
High-quality harvests are ensured for the Chinese tea industry through the use of both modern agricultural technology and traditional farming methods. Furthermore, the Chinese people have a strong cultural attachment to tea, as seen by customs such as Gongfu tea rituals, which honor traditional tea.
China has a strong export market, with the US, Japan, and Russia being its top customers. As a result, the value of its tea exports to these countries is close to $2 billion yearly. China is the heartland of tea culture and cultivation, and its remarkable output and rich traditions continue to influence the worldwide tea scene.
Also Read: Natural Resources of China
2) India
With over 23% of the world’s tea produced, India is the second-largest producer of tea in the world. India produced over 900,000 metric tons of tea in 2024, mostly from its well-known tea-growing regions in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Assam.
With its strong, malty black teas, Assam takes the lead, accounting for more than half of India’s total tea production. Known as the “Champagne of Teas,” Darjeeling produces exquisite, aromatic teas that are highly valued all over the world. Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiri Hills contribute to this diversity with their invigorating and aromatic teas.
India’s tea business has developed into a significant economic sector for the nation. Tea plantations employ more than a million people, making them a major source of income, especially in rural areas. India’s diverse temperatures and elevations are advantageous for tea growing since they encourage the year-round development of several tea varieties.
India continues to be a major player in the tea export market, sending tea to the US, UK, Iran, Russia, and other nations. The nation’s earnings from tea exports regularly surpass $700 million per year, demonstrating its vital role in the world tea trade. India maintains its position as a major player in the tea industry thanks to its extensive history, wide range of products, and noteworthy contributions to the worldwide market.
3) Kenya
Kenya is a major contributor to the global tea market and is delighted to be the world’s third-largest producer of tea. Kenya produced 305,000 metric tons of tea in 2024, demonstrating tea’s significant contribution to the industry. The highland areas of Kericho, Nandi, and Nyeri are the main hubs for the nation’s tea production due to their mild environment and rich volcanic soils, which are perfect for the growing of tea.
The emphasis on black tea, especially the potent and colorful varieties that are frequently utilized in blends and to make tea bags, sets Kenya’s tea business apart. The nation’s CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) processing technique brings out the flavor and briskness of the tea, making it a favorite in foreign markets.
Over 600,000 smallholder farmers in Kenya, who produce over 60% of the nation’s tea, rely on the tea industry for employment, making it a vital part of the country’s economy. To assist these farmers, the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) provides marketing campaigns, training, and extension services.
Kenya has a substantial tea export market, with most of its production going to foreign markets. Pakistan, Egypt, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates are important importers. Kenya earns approximately $1 billion in foreign money yearly from tea exports, making it a significant source of income.
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4) Sri Lanka
The “Island of Tea,” Sri Lanka, is one of the world’s leading producers of tea and is well-known for its superior Ceylon tea. With 300,000 metric tons of tea produced in 2024, Sri Lanka was one of the top tea-producing countries in the world. The central highlands of the nation are home to most of the nation’s tea production, with areas like Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, and Uva being especially well-known for their distinctive tea profiles.
Sri Lankan tea is renowned for its excellence and diversity, with distinct flavors coming from various places. Uva teas have a stronger, more acidic flavor, whereas Nuwara Eliya teas are recognized for their delicate, floral undertones. The most popular tea in the nation is black, but green and white teas are also made to suit different tastes around the world.
Over a million people are employed in Sri Lanka’s tea business, which is vital to rural communities as a means of subsistence. A significant share of the production is produced by smallholder farmers, who are assisted by the Sri Lanka Tea Board and other cooperatives that guarantee sustainable and high-quality cultivation and processing.
Sri Lanka exports around 95% of its tea, with the Middle East, Japan, and Russia being its main customers. With yearly tea export earnings of over $1.2 billion, the nation is a major participant in the world tea trade.
5) Turkey
Turkey is one of the top five producers of tea in the world, making it a major player in the tea market. The bulk of Turkey’s tea is grown on the verdant, hilly areas of the eastern Black Sea coast, especially in and around Rize. In 2024, the country produced about 175,000 metric tons of tea.
Turkish tea has a strong, robust flavor and is primarily black. Due to the country’s deeply ingrained tea tradition, almost all of Turkey’s tea is consumed locally, in contrast to many other tea-producing nations. As tea is an essential component of daily life and social rituals, Turks are among the world’s biggest per capita tea users. Tea is traditionally served in little tulip-shaped glasses, which is a treasured tradition.
About 200,000 families grow tea on a local basis, making up the majority of the Turkish tea sector. The majority of tea processing and marketing in the country is managed by the state-owned company Çaykur (Çay İşletmeleri Genel Müdürlüğü), which provides help to these smallholders. By guaranteeing quality control and offering growers technical support, Çaykur contributes to the upholding of high standards in tea cultivation.
Even though local consumption is the majority, Turkey exports tea to several nations, including the US, Germany, and the Netherlands. Although they make up a lesser portion of industry earnings than domestic sales, exports have a major impact on the national economy.
6) Indonesia
Indonesia is a leading tea producer, coming in at number six worldwide. The production of tea in Indonesia reached over 157,000 metric tons in 2024. Because the climate and soil are perfect for producing premium tea, the majority of the nation’s tea is grown on the islands of Java and Sumatra.
The diversity of Indonesian tea is well-known, encompassing black, green, and specialty teas like jasmine and oolong. Approximately 80% of all tea produced is black tea, which is distinguished by its strong flavor and dark hue. Indonesian green tea is also becoming well-known throughout the world for its light, refreshing flavor.
The tea business in Indonesia plays a significant role in the country’s economy, employing hundreds of thousands of people, mostly in rural areas. Large estates own the majority of tea plantations, but smallholder farmers also make a substantial contribution to the crop’s output. Organizations like the Indonesian Tea Board, which provides resources and training to enhance production methods and guarantee sustainability, assist these growers.
Significant tea exports from Indonesia are made to the US, UK, Pakistan, Russia, and other key markets. Tea exports bring in a significant amount of money for the nation and help fund its foreign exchange profits. With an emphasis on organic and specialty teas, Indonesia has been working to raise the quality of its tea to better compete in the international market in recent years.
Also Read: Largest Economies In The World
7) Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the top 10 tea producers in the world, making it a significant player in the tea market. Vietnam produced about 117,000 metric tons of tea in 2024, demonstrating its significant contribution to the global market. The majority of the nation’s tea is grown in the northern areas of the Central Highlands, in places like Thái Nguyên, Hà Giang, and Lâm Đồng, where the soil and climate are perfect for growing tea.
Vietnamese tea is recognized for both its excellence and diversity. The nation produces a large variety of teas, including oolong, black, green, and specialty teas like lotus and jasmine. Most of the manufacturing is made of green tea, which is prized for its health properties and fresh, vegetal flavors. Even though it is less common, black tea is nevertheless important and is frequently exported in both conventional and CTC varieties.
In Vietnam, the tea business employs 500,000 smallholder farmers and laborers. Government programs and assistance from groups like the Vietnam Tea Association (VITAS), which strive to advance production methods, guarantee sustainable agricultural practices, and increase product quality, benefit these growers.
Vietnam’s tea export market is robust, with major destinations including Pakistan, Russia, Taiwan, and China. Tea exports bring in significant revenue, contributing over $230 million annually to the national economy. The country is increasingly focusing on improving the quality and value of its tea products to enhance competitiveness in the global market, promoting organic and high-quality specialty teas.
Sustainability and fair trade practices are becoming more prominent within the Vietnamese tea industry. Efforts are being made to reduce the use of chemicals, promote organic farming, and ensure fair wages and conditions for workers.
8) Japan
Japan is one of the world’s top producers of tea and is well-known for its superior tea, especially its green tea. Japan produced over 89,000 metric tons of tea in 2024. The majority of the nation’s tea is grown in areas like Shizuoka, Kagoshima, Uji (Kyoto), and Fukuoka because these areas have the right soil and climate for producing fine teas.
Green tea, which comes in several varieties such as Sencha, Matcha, Gyokuro, and Hojicha, makes up the majority of tea consumed in Japan. Sencha, which has a bright, green flavor, makes up nearly 60% of all tea produced in Japan. Matcha, a powdered green tea, is well-known around the world for its usage in both traditional tea ceremonies and as a flavoring for food.
Modern technical innovations combined with traditional methods yield significant benefits for the Japanese tea business. To make teas like Gyokuro and Matcha, farmers frequently employ shaded cultivation methods, which boost the leaves’ chlorophyll and amino acid content and improve flavor and nutritional value.
In Japan, a sizable section of the populace frequently drinks tea, which is firmly ingrained in both daily life and culture. The “chanoyu” or “sado,” a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, emphasizes the significance of tea in Japanese culture.
Japan’s tea export market is also notable, with major destinations including the United States, Germany, and France. Although exports account for a smaller percentage of total production, they are growing, with an increasing global demand for Japanese green teas. Export revenues from tea have been steadily rising, contributing significantly to the economy.
Also read, Japan’s Most Famous Samurai: Miyamoto Musash
9) Iran
Iran is a prominent producer of tea, making a substantial contribution to the worldwide tea market. Iran produced almost 84,000 metric tons of tea in 2024, demonstrating its significant contribution to the sector. The majority of the nation’s tea is grown in the northern parts, especially in the provinces of Gilan and Mazandaran, where the rich soil and humid, moderate temperature offer the perfect growing environment for premium tea.
Iranian tea is mostly made of black tea, which has a distinct flavor profile that is frequently characterized as being powerful, rich, and slightly sweet. Though it is produced on a much smaller scale than black tea, green tea is also manufactured. Iranian tea is unique because of its traditional processing techniques, which utilize few chemicals and pesticides, giving it a pure, natural flavor.
Many smallholder farmers in Iran rely on the tea industry for their livelihood. The government and groups like the Iran Tea Organization are essential in helping these farmers by giving them resources, training, and financial aid to improve the sustainability and quality of their output.
In Iran, tea is an integral part of everyday life and culture. Tea is traditionally served to visitors, demonstrating the value of hospitality in Iranian culture. The cultural significance of tea is further enhanced by the beloved custom of making tea in a samovar, a metal vessel heated by water.
Iran exports some of its tea production even though the country’s tea consumption is mostly domestic. Important export destinations include the Middle East and nearby nations. Iranian tea is valued for its high quality and unique flavor around the world, which helps the nation’s foreign exchange gains.
Within the Iranian tea sector, organic farming and sustainability have gained more attention in recent years. To ensure the long-term sustainability of tea cultivation in the area, initiatives are being undertaken to encourage ecologically friendly farming practices and minimize the use of chemicals.
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10) Argentina
Argentina is a well-known producer of tea, most recognized for its yerba mate production, a popular herbal tea that is enjoyed both nationally and abroad. Argentina’s production of tea in 2024 amounted to about 70,000 metric tons, indicating its importance in the world tea market. The northeastern provinces of Misiones and Corrientes are home to the majority of the nation’s tea plantations. These regions’ subtropical temperatures and rich soil make them perfect for yerba mate farming.
Argentina is one of the world’s leading producers of yerba mate, the most well-known tea produced in the nation. Millions of people throughout Argentina drink yerba mate regularly. It is a deeply embedded part of the country’s culture. Traditionally, it is served in a hollowed-out gourd called a “mate” and is consumed with a metal straw called a “bombilla.”
Many smallholder farmers in Argentina rely on the yerba mate business for their living, which also makes a substantial economic contribution to the northeastern region. These farmers receive assistance from the government and other groups, which also offer incentives, resources, and training to improve the sustainability and quality of their output.
Although the majority of tea produced in Argentina is yerba mate, the nation also grows other tea kinds, such as black tea. But compared to yerba mate, black tea is produced in very tiny quantities.
Argentina is a major exporter of yerba mate to many other countries, such as the US, Europe, and neighboring South American countries. Due to its distinct flavor and supposed health advantages, yerba mate has grown in popularity across the globe, boosting Argentina’s export earnings.
| No | Country | Tea Production (tons) |
| 1 | China | 2,400,000 |
| 2 | India | 900,000 |
| 3 | Kenya | 305,000 |
| 4 | Sri Lanka | 300,000 |
| 5 | Turkey | 175,000 |
| 6 | Indonesia | 157,000 |
| 7 | Vietnam | 117,000 |
| 8 | Japan | 89,000 |
| 9 | Iran | 84,000 |
| 10 | Argentina | 70,000 |
Conclusion
The world’s largest producers of tea have a significant influence on the development of the global tea market. Every country contributes its unique tastes and customs to the tea industry. This blog listed the top 10 biggest tea-producing countries in the world.
FAQs
Which 3 Countries Drink the Most Tea?
Turkey, Ireland, and the United Kingdom are the countries that consume the most amount of tea every single day
Which Country Invented Tea?
China is the inventor of tea. It is said that the Chinese emperor Shen Nung was sitting under a tree in 2737 when his servant boiled drinking water and some leaves fell into the water.
Which Country Has the Best Tea in the World?
China might be the country that has the best tea in the world. The main reason is that China is home to the largest variety of teas in the world. So, there is a big chance that you might find the tea that you like.
What Is the Most Expensive Tea in the World?
Da Hong Pao is considered the most expensive tea in the world. Its price is more than $1 million Per Kilogram.
