Tea · ranking
For tea growers and traders, this ranking points to the markets that buy the most in the chapter, with guidance on what it can and cannot say about tea itself.
| # | Market | Value | Volume | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | $11.7B | — | 2024 |
| 2 | Germany | $6.5B | — | 2024 |
| 3 | France | $4.0B | — | 2024 |
| 4 | Italy | $3.4B | — | 2024 |
| 5 | Canada | $2.4B | — | 2024 |
| 6 | Spain | $2.2B | — | 2024 |
| 7 | Japan | $2.2B | — | 2024 |
| 8 | United Kingdom | $2.2B | — | 2024 |
| 9 | Netherlands | $2.2B | — | 2024 |
| 10 | China | $2.1B | — | 2024 |
Ranking is for the whole of HS chapter 09 (coffee, tea, mate and spices), reporter-declared, latest year available per market. Source: UN Comtrade.
The United States is first at $11.7B, followed by Germany at $6.5B, France at $4.0B and Italy at $3.4B. Canada records $2.4B. Spain, Japan, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands all sit at $2.2B, and China closes the ten at $2.1B.
These ten hold 57.6% of the ranked markets among 96. Only the United States is far ahead, and from Canada downward the spacing is tight enough that a small revision could reshuffle positions five to nine.
Tea is heading 0902, yet these values belong to HS chapter 09 in full, which also holds coffee, mate and spices. Coffee is a very large trade, so a country’s rank may say more about its coffee habits than its tea drinking. Do not use a chapter total to size a tea market.
Some markets on the list, notably in Europe, import for onward sale, so part of what they declare will leave again as packed or blended products. That is a route into several other countries at once, which some tea sellers value.
Typical importers are blenders, packers, brand owners and specialist traders. A seller with single-estate or specialty lots often has a different route to market from one supplying bulk leaf, so decide which you are before choosing a country.
Before quoting, confirm the current food-safety and labelling requirements with the destination customs authority, and agree the Incoterm, currency and payment terms. Buyers also usually expect samples and a clear description of grade and packaging.
Search shipment records under the tea heading for the destination you have chosen. The results name consignees and the origins they buy from, along with quantities and declared values, so you can spot active importers and check whether your origin already features.
Alternatively, publish an offer on the free marketplace, where importers searching for tea can find it directly.
The United States, at $11.7B. That figure spans all of chapter 09, including coffee, mate and spices, so it is not a tea-only number.
Not necessarily. Chapter totals can be driven by coffee, and some markets import to re-export. Look at records under the tea heading to see real tea demand.
The ten importers hold 57.6% of the ranked markets among 96. The United States stands well clear, while the lower positions are closely bunched.
Current food-safety and labelling rules with the destination customs authority, the grade and packaging specification, samples, Incoterm, currency and payment method.
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