Top 3 largest tea export markets for Vietnam

In the first seven months of 2024, tea exports reached 77,280 tons, valued at US$133.4 million, an increase of 31.6% in volume and 33.5% in value compared to the same period in 2023. (Illustrative image)

Pakistan continued to be Vietnam's largest tea export market in the first seven months of the year, reaching 22.3 thousand tons, worth $47 million, a decrease of 3.2% in volume but an increase of 6.3% in value compared to the same period in 2023. The average export price reached $2,100 per ton, an increase of nearly 10%.

After a sharp decline since the beginning of the year, this market is gradually regaining its import momentum compared to last year. The main type of tea exported to Pakistan is black tea, which is also Vietnam's main export type, accounting for about 80% of total export volume.

The second largest export market is Taiwan (China), with 8,131 tons, equivalent to nearly $14 million, at a price of $1,712 per ton, representing a 2.4% increase in volume, a 6.3% increase in value, and a 3.7% increase in price compared to the same period last year.

Notably, China was Vietnam's third largest export market with 7,826 tons, equivalent to $11.3 million, representing a 236% increase in volume and a 107% increase in value. The average export price of tea to this market reached only $1,446 per ton, a sharp decrease of 38.2% compared to the same period last year.

In July alone, the country imported 1,528 tons of tea from Vietnam, equivalent to over $2 million, a sharp increase of 502% in volume and 385% in value compared to the same period last year.

The significant increase was mainly due to the low base at the beginning of 2023 and the strong growth in tea exports during the final months of 2023, setting the stage for 2024.

Chart showing Vietnam's top 3 tea export markets in the first 7 months of 2024. Source: General Department of Customs.

Vietnam currently ranks 5th in the world for tea exports and 7th in global tea production. Vietnamese tea products are now exported to 74 countries and territories.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development , the country has 120,000 hectares of tea plantations, 257 industrial-scale tea processing enterprises, with a total designed capacity of 5,200 tons of fresh tea leaves per day.

The Vietnam Tea Association assesses that in recent years, Vietnam's tea productivity and output have continuously increased thanks to positive changes in varieties, cultivation techniques, and production organization. In addition, many mechanisms and policies have been issued by all levels, from the central to local governments, to develop tea production and consumption.