Tea leaves Production by Country 2025
Tea dominates global beverage production with China leading at 16 million tonnes in 2023, projected to reach 15.3 million tonnes by 2025. Global production totaled 32.2 million tonnes in 2023, up 4.2% from 2022, spanning 45 countries concentrated in Asia and East Africa. India produces 6.3 million tonnes, Kenya contributes 2.6 million tonnes, and Sri Lanka adds 1.4 million tonnes. This ancient beverage—second only to water in global consumption—provides caffeine, antioxidants, and cultural significance. Tea serves black tea (75%), green tea (20%), and specialty teas (5%), with China dominating green tea while India/Kenya lead black tea, creating distinct regional preferences and processing traditions spanning 5,000 years of cultivation history.
China produces 16 million tonnes in 2023, accounting for 50% of global output, concentrated in Fujian, Zhejiang, and Yunnan provinces where tea cultivation dates back 5,000 years. Chinese production emphasizes green tea (80% of domestic output) for domestic consumption—China is world's largest tea consumer. Processing creates diverse varieties: green (unoxidized), white (minimal processing), oolong (partially oxidized), black (fully oxidized), and pu-erh (fermented). India contributes 6.3 million tonnes, concentrated in Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri regions, producing primarily black tea for domestic consumption (world's largest tea consumer) and export. Kenya produces 2.6 million tonnes, concentrated in highlands west of Rift Valley, exporting 95% of production—world's largest black tea exporter. Sri Lanka adds 1.4 million tonnes of premium Ceylon tea. These four countries account for 81% of global tea production. Turkey produces 1.36 million tonnes (world's highest per capita consumption!), Vietnam 1.13 million tonnes, and Indonesia 647,000 tonnes. Bangladesh contributes 406,000 tonnes, Uganda 390,000 tonnes, and Argentina 369,000 tonnes. Japan produces 303,000 tonnes of premium green tea (matcha, sencha). These producers showcase tea's cultural diversity—Turkish black tea (çay), Vietnamese green tea, Japanese ceremonial matcha, and Argentine yerba mate (different plant but similar culture). Processing varies dramatically: green tea (steamed/pan-fired to prevent oxidation), black tea (fully oxidized for robust flavor), oolong (partially oxidized), white tea (minimal processing), and pu-erh (fermented for years). Climate requirements: 1,500-2,500mm rainfall, 20-30°C temperatures, acidic soil, and high altitude for premium quality. Tea provides caffeine (20-60mg/cup), antioxidants (catechins, polyphenols), L-theanine (calming amino acid), and minimal calories. Second most consumed beverage globally after water. Culinary diversity spans British afternoon tea, Chinese gongfu ceremony, Japanese matcha ritual, Indian chai (spiced milk tea), Moroccan mint tea, and bubble tea. Processing creates black tea (oxidized—robust flavor), green tea (unoxidized—grassy, fresh), oolong (partially oxidized—complex), white tea (minimal processing—delicate), and pu-erh (fermented—earthy). Premium teas command high prices—Da Hong Pao oolong sells for $1,000+/kg! Non-beverage uses include cosmetics (antioxidants) and supplements. Tea's caffeine and ritual significance create global cultural phenomenon spanning British tea time to Japanese tea ceremony. Tea thrives in tropical/subtropical highlands (1,000-2,000m elevation) with 1,500-2,500mm rainfall and acidic soil. Camellia sinensis plant lives 50-100 years. First harvest 3-5 years after planting. Hand-plucking required for premium tea—"two leaves and a bud." Mechanical harvest acceptable for commodity tea. Major pests include tea mosquito bug, mites, and thrips. Diseases include blister blight and root rot. Climate change brings irregular rainfall and increased pest pressure. Breeding programs develop drought tolerance, pest resistance, and improved flavor. Organic tea production grows steadily. Shade-grown tea (Japanese gyokuro) produces sweeter flavor. Terroir affects flavor—Darjeeling's altitude creates distinctive muscatel notes. Tea prices fluctuate $2-10/kg for commodity black tea, $10-100+/kg for premium varieties. Global tea trade worth $20+ billion annually, dominated by black tea exports from Kenya, Sri Lanka, and India. China exports primarily green tea. Major importers: Pakistan, Russia, UK, USA, and Egypt. Retail trends favor specialty teas (matcha, oolong, white), organic tea (20-30% premiums), and ready-to-drink bottled tea. Bubble tea phenomenon drives demand. Climate change affects production through irregular rainfall and temperature extremes. Labor costs increase as hand-plucking remains essential for quality. Competition from coffee affects markets. However, tea's health benefits, cultural significance, and diverse varieties ensure continued demand. Global tea production projected to grow 2-3% annually through 2030, driven by health consciousness and specialty tea trends. Green tea demand expands globally beyond Asia. Matcha, oolong, and white tea create premium markets. Organic and fair-trade certification grows. Climate-adapted varieties help cope with changing rainfall patterns. However, tea faces challenges from climate change, rising labor costs, and coffee competition. The beverage's ancient heritage, health benefits, and cultural significance ensure continued cultivation, though production will likely emphasize quality over quantity, with specialty teas commanding premiums in this 5,000-year-old beverage's modern role spanning traditional ceremonies to trendy bubble tea in the world's second-most consumed drink.🏆 China's Green Tea Heritage
Tea leaves Production by Country 2025
1
15,340,000
2
6,258,199
3
2,500,540
4
1,496,772
5
1,349,935
6
1,115,772
7
653,500
8
420,100
9
404,447
10
358,280
11
310,783
12
251,560
13
160,553
14
126,698
15
123,000
16
111,427
17
105,795
18
91,799
19
69,210
20
60,592
21
55,028
22
16,248
23
14,144
24
13,210
25
6,293
26
5,906
27
5,597
28
5,515
29
3,161
30
2,480
31
2,380
32
2,013
33
1,880
34
1,809
35
1,571
36
1,205
37
1,098
38
971
39
673
40
539
41
399
42
225
43
111
44
100
45
92
🌍 Global Tea Culture
🍵 Ancient Beverage
🌱 Highland Cultivation
📊 Global Tea Trade
🔮 Specialty Future
Tea leaves Production by Country 2025
#
1
11,800,000
12,600,000
13,200,000
14,200,000
15,000,000
16,000,000
15,340,000
2
5,820,000
6,044,000
5,485,000
6,090,000
6,228,720
6,343,165
6,258,199
3
2,143,000
1,995,000
3,050,000
2,430,900
2,418,200
2,577,800
2,500,540
4
1,500,000
1,490,000
1,500,000
1,800,000
1,400,000
1,433,543
1,496,772
5
1,480,534
1,407,448
1,450,556
1,453,964
1,269,546
1,356,556
1,349,935
6
1,081,166
1,017,619
1,064,993
1,091,073
1,116,750
1,125,065
1,115,772
7
610,000
560,000
626,000
663,000
658,000
647,000
653,500
8
340,000
394,000
412,000
412,000
449,000
406,000
420,100
9
323,000
262,000
390,000
437,000
406,000
390,494
404,447
10
360,000
362,000
335,225
336,130
355,144
369,022
358,280
11
375,000
355,000
328,800
340,000
304,000
303,166
310,783
12
220,000
210,000
253,800
242,500
266,500
246,221
251,560
13
135,000
134,378
140,005
149,627
160,420
165,003
160,553
14
108,000
110,000
119,600
118,300
128,000
129,276
126,698
15
148,000
162,000
125,000
140,000
145,000
103,000
123,000
16
143,571
132,494
112,404
99,199
108,477
118,087
111,427
17
93,084
96,537
103,420
103,420
106,457
106,347
105,795
18
99,245
90,832
94,408
113,899
93,479
81,952
91,799
19
68,000
66,000
80,000
74,000
71,000
66,219
69,210
20
53,604
54,043
51,043
50,123
63,700
62,914
60,592
21
74,842
68,945
75,948
44,024
51,662
61,449
55,028
22
8,055
15,900
14,261
15,041
16,800
16,399
16,248
23
10,808
6,621
9,395
7,227
15,883
15,868
14,144
24
14,738
14,637
14,341
11,883
14,027
13,250
13,210
25
8,056
8,329
5,105
5,034
6,351
6,762
6,293
26
31,000
32,000
4,876
4,850
5,119
6,801
5,906
27
5,569
5,654
5,569
5,597
5,607
5,591
5,597
28
5,504
5,514
5,526
5,548
5,523
5,497
5,515
29
4,407
4,427
4,446
3,933
3,071
2,907
3,161
30
1,700
2,000
2,400
2,900
2,500
2,300
2,480
31
2,425
2,369
2,371
2,388
2,376
2,379
2,380
32
2,079
2,044
2,010
2,019
2,013
2,011
2,013
33
1,085
1,600
1,645
1,781
1,838
1,944
1,880
34
1,809
1,793
1,819
1,807
1,806
1,811
1,809
35
1,577
1,554
1,579
1,570
1,568
1,572
1,571
36
1,192
1,203
1,212
1,209
1,199
1,206
1,205
37
869
929
932
1,178
1,001
1,124
1,098
38
965
985
964
971
973
970
971
39
677
663
678
673
671
674
673
40
552
528
542
541
537
540
539
41
392
393
394
397
399
401
399
42
157
159
170
223
226
226
225
43
504
298
342
229
81
82
111
44
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
45
92
93
92
92
93
92
92
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country produces the most tea in the world?
China is the world's largest tea producer with 16,000,000 tonnes in 2023, accounting for 50% of global production. Production concentrates in Fujian, Zhejiang, and Yunnan provinces with 5,000 years of cultivation history. China emphasizes green tea (80% of output) for domestic consumption—China is also world's largest tea consumer. India ranks second with 6,343,165 tonnes (primarily black tea), Kenya third with 2,577,800 tonnes (world's largest black tea exporter), and Sri Lanka fourth with 1,433,543 tonnes (premium Ceylon tea).
What's the difference between green tea, black tea, and other tea types?
All true tea comes from the same plant (Camellia sinensis) but differs in processing: Green tea is unoxidized (steamed/pan-fired immediately after picking—grassy, fresh flavor). Black tea is fully oxidized (leaves exposed to air—robust, malty flavor). Oolong is partially oxidized (complex, fruity flavor). White tea has minimal processing (delicate, sweet flavor). Pu-erh is fermented for years (earthy, smooth flavor). China dominates green tea production, while India/Kenya lead black tea. Processing determines flavor, color, and caffeine content—all from the same plant! A: China is the world's largest Tea leaves producer, accounting for a significant share of global production. Production concentrates in regions with suitable climate and established agricultural infrastructure supporting both domestic consumption and export markets.
Data Disclaimer: Projected data (future years) are estimates based on mathematical models. Actual values may differ. Learn about our methodology →
Sources
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Updated: 13.11.2025https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL
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