The top tea-producing countries in the world
The story behind the discovery of tea is rich with history, much like the beverage itself. Its roots can be traced back to ancient China, where legend suggests that tea was discovered entirely by chance. What began as an unexpected find has blossomed into one of the most widely consumed drinks globally: five billion cups of tea are consumed across the world every day!
Tea is far more than just a product. In numerous countries, it represents hospitality and is an integral part of social customs, highlighting the significance of this cherished beverage in various cultures. Today, tea cultivation has evolved into a highly lucrative economic opportunity, attracting billions of consumers around the globe. In this text, we explore some of the leading tea producers worldwide.
Georgia
In the early 20th century, wary of expensive Chinese tea imports, Russian planters started growing tea in Georgia. Soon, it became the fourth largest producer of tea. But with the fall of the Soviet Union, Georgian tea fell off the map. In recent years, efforts have been made to revive the once thriving tea industry. According to the latest numbers from 2023, Georgia produced 2,300 tons of tea.
Peru
Peru has emerged as a key player in the tea industry in recent years. Primarily known for its coffee plantations, the country is witnessing a growing interest in tea plantations and consumption, owing to the demand in the international market. Peru produced about 3,300 tons of tea in 2024.
Papua New Guinea
British and Australian planters decided to grow tea on this island in the 1960s. A favorable climate and fertile soil ensured the crop flourished and became one of the country's major commodities. Papua New Guinea produced about 5,500 tons of tea in 2023, the most recent figures available.
Cameroon
Tea was introduced in Cameroon in 1926 by German planters. Since then, tea production capacities have increased significantly in the country. Cameroon produced about 6,000 tons of tea in 2023.
Ethiopia
Tea cultivation took off in multiple stages in Ethiopia: in 1927, via Canadian missionaries who brought seeds from Kenya; in 1928, by the British with tea from India; and then in 1957, by Belgian experts who boosted the country’s tea-producing capability. According to the most recent figures from 2022, Ethiopia produced close to 11,500 tons of tea.
Laos
Laos has been growing tea as early as the 7th century CE when Chinese traders started developing tea farms in northern provinces close to the Chinese border. Even today, the majority of the tea in the country is grown in this region. Laos produced about 12,000 tons of tea in 2024.
Taiwan
The earliest records of tea plantations date back to the 1700s when tea leaves and seeds were brought to the country from the tea-growing provinces of South China. With help from Scottish merchants who sought to rival the British tea trade in India, Taiwan began to export tea on a commercial scale. In 2023, Taiwan produced close to 13,000 tons of tea.
Malaysia
British entrepreneurs set up tea plantations and processing facilities in 1929 when they saw an opportunity to grow tea in Malaysia, along with its main crop, rubber. The company, BOH Plantations, is still operational and produces 70% of the country’s tea. Overall, Malaysia produced about 15,000 tons in 2023.
Mozambique
Introduced by Portuguese colonizers in the 1930s, tea cultivation soon became an economic resource. The plantations flourished in regions of high altitude with fertile soil and adequate rainfall, making it one of the main cash crops of the country. In 2024, Mozambique produced about 34,000 tons.
Burundi
It was in the 1930s when Burundi started cultivating tea, and it was only after its independence in 1964 that the country saw large-scale tea plantations. Its cultivation significantly contributes to the nation’s exports, with a production of 62,500 tons in 2023.
Zimbabwe
August 6, 2026 1.9K 3
