Discover the 16 Countries That Produce the Most Tea

Source：AZ Animals Time：January 24, 2024

Throughout the world tea is a popular beverage served either hot or cold. Camellia Sinensis, the tea plant, is a species of evergreen commonly called tea tree, tea shrub, and tea plant, its leaves, buds, and stems are used to brew tea. Tea is an important part of many cultures, rituals, and traditions. Today it is an important cash crop in many countries playing a significant role in food security, poverty reduction, and rural development. Indeed, it is the main source of livelihood for many smallholder producers. To raise public awareness of its contribution to Sustainable Development Goals, the United Nations designated May 1^st as International Tea Day. Read on to discover the 16 countries that produce the most tea!

Tea Facts

Drinking tea has many health benefits such as weight loss, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Tea is one of the world’s oldest and most consumed beverages.

China – 2.2 million tons

Discover the 16 Countries That Produce the Most Tea — It is said that tea has been enjoyed in China since 2737 BCE.

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Number one on the list is China where tea is a key component of the country’s social fabric and plays a part in its economic development and daily life. Indeed, it is an integral part of this culture, reportedly since the year 2737 BCE! China leads the world in tea production from oolong to green and white and pu-erh (fermented tea.) High-quality teas are prized from the Yunnan and Fujian regions.

India – 1.2 million tons

The second largest producer of tea is India with varieties such as Assam, Nilgiri, and Darjeeling. First introduced commercially in 1824 by the British to compete with China, they were number one in production for over 100 years until the 21^st century when China took the top spot. Indeed, each region of India produces teas with unique characteristics from Assam’s strong and malty taste to Darjeeling’s light and fragrant profiles.

Kenya – 432,000 tons

Kenya’s tea grows at high altitudes, for example, in the Rift Valley. This area produces strong and astringent black tea. They pioneered the development of the “CTC” or crush, tear, curl method of producing tea for blends and tea bags. Kenya is the top tea-producing country in Africa and the top black tea producer in the world. Kericho region, Nandi, and Nyambene Hills are the top cultivation areas.

Sri Lanka – 340,000 tons

Formerly known as Ceylon, Sri Lanka has a history of tea cultivation dating back to the 19^th century. Famous for their bright and lively Ceylon tea, their varying climates and altitudes allow for a diverse range of flavors from light and floral to strong and malty. Nearly 17 percent of the world’s tea comes from the central mountain region. In addition, Uva, Kenilworth, and Dimbula cultivate Ceylon tea which the British introduced in 1867.

Vietnam – 214,000 tons

Vietnam’s green tea has a balanced and light flavor. The French introduced tea here during colonial rule. Yen Bai province in the northern part of the country cultivates a wide variety of teas including white, black, and green teas as well as specialty teas flavored with flower blossoms including jasmine and lotus.

Turkey – 212,000 tons

Turkish tea, or“cav,” is a variety of black tea locals consume throughout the day. Tea gardens are part of their culture serving as social hubs to relax and converse. Turkey is, in fact, in the middle of ancient trade routes between the east and west. The most popular tea is the Rize variety in the region of the same name on the Black Sea coast.

Iran – 160,000 tons

The province of Gilan in the Caspian Sea region of Iran produces the most tea in this country. Black tea is a popular variety here and a favorite at social events. Additionally, Iranians enjoy their tea with added flavoring such as cardamom.

Indonesia – 148,000 tons

This archipelago’s diverse climate makes it well-suited for tea cultivation. The Sumatra and Java islands grow flavorful and robust black teas. During colonial rule in the 1700s, the Dutch East India Company introduced Indonesia to tea. As a result, they mostly grow the Indian Assam varieties of black and green teas. Teas from this region contain high catechin levels which is, in fact, a natural antioxidant, and phenol helps to maintain a healthy heart and gut.

Argentina – 105,000 tons

More known for coffee production, they primarily produce black tea of Indian origin. During the 1920s tea was first introduced here. Specifically, the government encouraged farmers to try different crops. Plantings included hybridized green and black teas in the Tucuman, Chaco, Formosa, Corrientes, and Misiones provinces. In addition, Yerba Mate is the most popular tea in the country.

Japan – 84,000 tons

The major crop grown in the southwest region of the country in the Uji, Kagoshima, and Shizuoka regions is green tea. Tea is culturally significant in Japan, and in fact, is their most popular beverage and a central part of tea ceremonies.

Thailand 75,000

Tea cultivation reportedly began here in the country during the 11^th and 12^th centuries. The Doi Mae Salong, Doi Ang Khang, Doi Tung, and Baan Rak Thai mountain regions are particularly suitable areas for cultivation. Types of teas grown in Thailand include herbal, black, Earl Grey, English breakfast, jasmine, masala chai, oolong, lemongrass, green, osmanthus, and jade.

Bangladesh 64,000 tons

The major cash crop in this country is tea and in fact, there are tea production estates and gardens throughout the land. Types of teas grown here include white, instant, oolong, black, and green.

Malawi – 54,000 tons

Tea is one of the most popular beverages in this country. However, most of the tea cultivated here is black tea. In addition, they export other varieties including oolong, white, and herbal teas.

Uganda – 53,000 tons

Tea is a major crop in this country. Large areas of land are allocated to its cultivation. Rukungiri, Mukono, Mbarara, and Kisoro are the major tea-growing areas in the country. Varieties cultivated here include green, oolong, and black teas.

Burundi – 41,800 tons

In 1931 the Gisozi research station introduced tea here. Later commercial plantings followed in 1952. In addition, in 1971 the Office du The du Burundi promoted tea cultivation, production, and marketing. The climate proved to be favorable for cultivating tea, and in fact, it is now their second-largest cash crop. Varieties include yellow, brown, green, and black teas.

Rwanda – 22,100 tons

Lastly, number 16 in our review to discover the 16 countries that produce the most tea brings us to Rwanda. This country’s temperate climate makes for ideal tea cultivation. Grown in the Thyolo and Mulanje regions the various types they produce include spicy, organic, green, white, orthodox, and black teas.

Discover the 16 Countries That Produce the Most Tea

Country	Tea Production in tons
China	2.2 million
India	1.2 million
Kenya	432,000
Sri Lanka	340,000
Vietnam	214,000
Turkey	212,000
Iran	160,000
Indonesia	148,000
Argentina	105,000
Japan	84,000
Thailand	75,000
Bangladesh	64,000
Malawi	54,000
Uganda	53,000
Burundi	41,800
Rwanda	22,100