[8/5/2026 11:30 AM] Tesfu: Tea plantations in Zimbabwe started in the 1900s after British planters smuggled tea leaves and seeds from India. Regions at a higher elevation and with relatively moderate temperatures proved to be conducive for growing tea. In 2023, Zimbabwe produced about 66,000 tons of tea.
Thailand
The northern parts of the country create a favorable environment for the cultivation of tea. Though not a significant part of Thailand’s agriculture, tea is an important constituent in many rituals and ceremonies. Thailand produced about 108,800 tons of tea in 2024.
Myanmar
Sharing borders with the major tea producers in the world, such as China, India, and Bangladesh, Myanmar has a long history of tea cultivation. It has always been a part of Myanmar’s culture, so much so that tea leaves are a part of traditional cuisines. Myanmar produced 118,000 tons of tea in 2023.
Nepal
Regions of high altitude and hilly farmlands create a nourishing and fertile environment for the growth of high-quality tea. Currently, Nepal’s tea industry has started to compete with Indian and Chinese varieties in the international market. Nepal produced 129,000 tons of tea in 2023.
Tanzania
Tanzania is emerging as an important player in the tea sector; indeed, tea is one of the biggest cash crops in the country. Introduced by German settlers in 1902, tea cultivation grew gradually to become a commercially viable industry and accelerated after the nation’s independence in 1961. In 2023, Tanzania produced about 130,000 tons of tea.
Iran
It is believed that tea was introduced to Iran in the 16th century from China via the Silk Road, and it quickly became ingrained in the nation's culture. When tea started replacing coffee in everyday life, Iranians began cultivating the crop in the northern hilly regions around 1899. Iran is one of the important cultivators of tea in the region, with production reaching up to 145,000 tons in 2024.
Rwanda
Tea cultivation in Rwanda can be traced back to German missionaries in the early 20th century. Since then, the tea industry has flourished, making Rwanda one of the important tea producers in Africa. In 2023, Rwanda produced about 165,000 tons of tea.
Malawi
Tea was introduced in Malawi in the latter part of the 19th century by Scottish missionaries. After several failed attempts, tea cultivation began to spread throughout the country. Today, Malawi is the third largest producer of tea in Africa. In 2023, the country produced about 246,000 tons of tea.
Japan
Known for its green tea, Japan is one of the largest tea cultivators in the world. Tea preparation and consumption form an integral part of Japanese culture, which is becoming popular all over the world. The island nation produced about 300,000 tons of tea in 2023.
Uganda
Tea production in Uganda began in the early 1900s. By 1930, the country started cultivating tea for commercial purposes, with volumes comparable to that of Kenya by the 1970s. However, political instability became a roadblock. In 2024, Uganda produced 326,000 tons of tea.
Argentina
The largest tea producer in the Americas, Argentina also produces great amounts of coffee and yerba maté. In the 1920s, Argentina imported tea seeds from China as a way to boost its agricultural economy. In 2024, the country produced about 369,000 tons of tea.
Bangladesh
Tea has been grown in Bangladesh since British colonial times. The regions where it is grown are similar to the hilly states of neighboring India. Much of Bangladesh’s tea is grown for consumption within the country. It produced 400,000 tons of tea in 2024.
Indonesia
Tea cultivation in Indonesia goes way back to the 1700s, when Dutch colonists started planting Indian tea, which thrived in the region. Indonesia has now become a major contributor to the tea trade, producing close to 647,000 tons of tea in 2024.
Vietnam
