2024 China Tea Export Review

Data from China Customs reveals generally positive news for tea buyers- increased volumes and lower average prices per kg for exports, with relatively stable conditions among China’s largest tea trade partners. The graphs below capture an overview of these 2024 China tea export trends.

 

BY VOLUME

Chinese total tea export volume has been rising, especially in the past 3 years. 2024 saw exports of 399.8 million kg, up 8.8% over the previous year.

BY COUNTRY

Morocco continues to be China’s main export destination, with 81 million kg  in 2024, followed by 39 million to Ghana. The US took 2.9% with 12 million kg. Exports to Morocco grew 34.7% over the previous year’s volume, while exports to the US rose 35.1% over the previous year.

BY TYPE

Green tea constituted 81.4%, or 325 Million kg of total export volume, up 5.2% over the previous year. Black tea accounted for 12.3%, or 49 million kg, and was up 68.7% over 2023 export volumes.

 

BY VALUE

While volumes have risen, export value has been in decline. 2024 export value totaled $1.5 Billion, down 15% over the previous year.

Falling value of exports is also reflected in average dollar per kg. The average $/kg price for 2024 exports was $3.70, down 21.8% over the previous year.