Tea News Brief: Panama Canal and Jasmine Floods
TYPHOONS BRING FLOODING TO JASMINE PRODUCTION AREAS
July saw 3 typhoons: Maysak, Bavi, and Noul, hit southern China. Maysak alone resulted in the loss of 159 lives and flooding to major jasmine flower production areas.
Reports estimate that about 7,333 hectares of jasmine fields were flooded and a loss of about 30,000 tons in jasmine production. This loss accounts for about 20% of total annual output for the region. The local jasmine market saw spikes in pricing, and average prices for jasmine flower will likely rise. Typhoon Narra recently hit Guangxi Province, causing further flooding. Its impact on the already damaged jasmine crop has yet to be determined.
Hengzhou, Guangxi is considered the capital of China jasmine. It produced 100,000 MT of jasmine flower in 2025. Other major producing areas include Quanwei, Sichuan with 25,800 MT, and Fuzhou, Fujian with 23,000 MT.
https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/-PQ4EPqlOHvWJMazOdjZ3Q
https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/XXoBOEa-1mkbyt1JNfd2fg
https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202608/25/WS6a8cebf0e4b057c97e209880.html
HORMUZ, DROUGHT CREATE PANAMA CANAL CONGESTION
The combined strain of shipments diverted from the Middle East and the effects of El Nino has caused the Panama Canal to limit both maximum draught levels and number of transits. Numbers published on Aug 20 indicate that ships without a booking through the canal are waiting an average of 8.5 days for northward passage. Another article published on 17 Aug recorded 112 ships awaiting passage. Wait times are expected to get longer as passage limits are expected to drop further according to a staggered schedule. On average, precipitation levels in the area increase, reaching high water marks in December. Restrictions would likely ease when the rains begin, but that does not resolve the higher traffic volumes seeking passage.
https://theloadstar.com/panama-canal-draught-restrictions-set-to-add-to-congestion-chaos/
Firsd Tea North America compiles news related to China’s tea trade. For sourcing inquiries on jasmine green tea and other teas, contact your Firsd Tea representative or visit firsdtea.com.