Top 10 Tea Producing Countries in the World

The high tea-producing countries are China, India, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Vietnam, Turkey, Iran, Indonesia, Japan, and Argentina. These nations are some of the top tea cultivators in the world and also hold a significant position in the global trade of tea. Climate, nature, and quality of soil, along with other factors, enable these nations to produce good quality tea.

In this article, we are going to learn the list of top tea-producing countries in the world, including the history associated with each.

Largest Tea Producing Countries

China serves as one of the top producers of tea in the country. It dates back to several centuries. They also have traditional methods of producing tea.

In some countries, like India, tea has become a part of daily life. In countries like Japan and Iran, tea plays an important role in cultural norms. In nations like Turkey, tea is consumed for medicinal purposes. There is a wide variety of teas found all over the world, and due to globalisation, the variety of teas is now available in every corner of the world.

List of Top 10 Tea Producing Countries

The top 10 tea-producing countries are as follows:

Country	Tea produced (in tonnes)
China	2,400,000
India	900,000
Kenya	305,000
Sri Lanka	300,000
Turkey	175,000
Indonesia	157,000
Vietnam	117,000
Japan	89,000
Iran	84,000
Argentina	70,000

10. Argentina

Argentina produces 70,000 tonnes of tea every year. Let us learn about tea production in Argentina.

• Black tea is the primary variety of tea produced in this region
• Tea was first introduced in Argentina in the 1920s.
• The Argentinian government ordered the farmers to grow different varieties of tea.
• Hybrid black and green tea came from the provinces of Tucuman, Chaco, etc.
• Argentina is famous for its yerba mate, which is domestically consumed.

9. Iran

Iran produces 84 million tonnes of tea annually. Let us learn about tea-production in Iran below.

• The Caspian Sea region of Gilan is the tea-producing region of Iran.
• Tea was first brought to Iran via the Silk Road in the 15th century.
• It was then domestically produced in 1899 when Prince Mohammed Mirza smuggled tea to Iran from India
• Tea began to be commercially produced in 1934

8. Japan

Tea is produced mostly in the Shizuoka, Kagoshima and Uji districts of Japan. Let us know more about tea production in Japan.

• Tea holds an important position in the culture of Japan. The tea ceremony is an important tradition in this nation, where people meet and celebrate over tea.
• It produces 89 million tonnes of tea each year.
• Tea was introduced to Japan by Buddhist monks in the 6th century BCE.
• Tea was served to over 100 monks during the period of Emperor Shomu.
• Japan is the top exporter of green sencha and green matcha.

7. Vietnam

Known for its coffee, Vietnam also has a thriving tea industry.

It produces 117 million tonnes of tea every year

• Tea was introduced to this nation by the French during colonial rule.
• Tea is mostly produced in the Yen Bai province of North Vietnam.
• Vietnam produces a wide variety of black tea, green tea and white tea. Among them, the most unique is the lotus tea.

6. Indonesia

Indonesia produces 157 million tonnes of tea every year. Let us learn more about tea in Indonesia.

• Tea plants were introduced to Indonesia in the 1700s by the Dutch East India Company.
• Indonesia mostly produces black and green teas.
• The climate of Indonesia makes tea plantations a thriving industry
• Indonesian teas are known for their antioxidants and a natural phenol called catechin.
• These teas are high in medicinal qualities and promote a healthy gut and heart.

5. Turkey

Ancient trade routes to Turkey led to the establishment of a prosperous tea industry in Turkey

• Turkey produces 175 million tonnes of tea every year
• Riza is the name of the tea variant that is grown in this region and is found on the coast of the Black Sea.
• Turkish people are also one of the highest consumers of tea

4. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka produces 300 million tonnes of tea every year. Let us learn more about it below.

• 17 per cent of the tea in Sri Lanka is grown in the central mountains.
• Tea was also introduced in this region by the British.
• It produces some of the top-quality tea such as Dimbula, Kenilworth, Uva, etc.

3. Kenya

Kenya produces 305 million tonnes of tea every year. Let’s learn more about it below.

• It is considered to one of the top producers of black tea
• Tea is mostly grown in the Kericho region, the Nyambene Hills and Nandi
• Tea was first introduced to Kenya in 1903
• GWL Caine introduced tea to Kenya and by 1924, it was fully commercialised.

2. India

Tea is a part of daily life in India, thus making it the second-largest tea-producing country. India is also the largest tea-consuming nation.

• The largest production regions are Darjeeling, Nilgiri and Assam
• Tea plants were first introduced in India by the British in 1824.
• The tea industry was established in India as a competition to China’s thriving tea industry.
• India has been producing tea for over 100 years.

1. China

China is the top producer of tea in the world. Let us learn more about it below.

• The nation is known for its tea culture and good-quality tea leaves.
• China tea accounts for up to 40 per cent of the world’s tea production, up to 2.4 million tonnes.
• Tea is primarily produced in the Yunnan district, along with Guangdong and Zhejiang provinces.
• Along with being the leading producer of tea in the world, China also has some of the best qualities of tea
• Some of the best qualities of tea include Lapsang Souchong, Keemun, and Green Gunpowder.

Conclusion

Thus, it can be concluded that tea is a thriving industry in several countries all over the world. Tea is also a part of tradition and celebration in countries like Japan. Tea is also an important part of socializing, as seen in India. Tea has been travelling through the ancient trade roots, from the hills of Assam to homes, to serve the taste of freshness to its consumers.

FAQs on Largest Tea Producing Country

Name the Top Tea Producing Country.

China is the top tea-producing country. It has historical roots and produces 2.2 million tons of tea every year.

Name the Largest Exporter of Tea.

The largest exporter of tea is also China. According to statistics for 2022, China had exported 2.08 billion US dollars worth of tea.

Where does India Rank in terms of Tea Production?

Globally, India ranks second, according to reports taking place in 2021-2022. The majority of tea is produced in Assam and West Bengal.

Who Introduced Tea to India?

The British introduced tea in India. They wanted to overthrow China’s thriving tea industry and found India’s climate perfect for tea plantations.

Name the Most Expensive Tea in the World.

The Da Hong Pao tea is the most expensive tea in the world. It sells at 1.2 million dollars per kilogram.