Understanding Tea
Algeria’s Tea Trade: Exports and Imports
Tea, a beverage cherished by people across the globe, has also become a significant player in Algeria’s international trade. In 2021, Algeria demonstrated its active involvement in the global tea market, serving as both an exporter and an importer of this aromatic and beloved product.
Algeria’s Tea Exports
In 2021, Algeria’s tea exports reached a total value of $31 thousand, positioning the country as the 130th largest tea exporter globally. While tea may not have been the top export commodity for Algeria, it still held a notable position, ranking as the 349th most exported product from the country. Algeria’s tea found its main destinations in France, Spain, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, and South Korea, contributing to the nation’s active participation in the global tea market.
Among these destinations, France emerged as the leading recipient of Algeria’s tea exports, importing tea worth $14.3 thousand. Spain followed closely behind with $12.1 thousand, while Canada, the United Arab Emirates, and South Korea also played significant roles, importing tea valued at $4.32 thousand, $196, and $45, respectively.
One intriguing aspect of Algeria’s tea export market was the notable growth observed in certain destinations between 2020 and 2021. France, Spain, and Canada were the fastest-growing export markets for Algeria during this period. France, in particular, displayed remarkable growth with an increase of $14.3 thousand in tea imports from Algeria. Spain followed suit with $12.1 thousand, while Canada showed promising growth with $4.32 thousand in additional tea imports.
| Continent | Country | Trade Value |
| Asia | United Arab Emirates | 196 |
| Asia | South Korea | 45 |
| Asia | Turkey | 10 |
| Europe | Belgium | 43 |
| Europe | Spain | 12,069 |
| Europe | France | 14,267 |
| Europe | Portugal | 1 |
| North America | Canada | 4,319 |
Algeria’s Tea Imports
In contrast to its tea exports, Algeria’s tea imports were substantial in 2021, reaching a staggering $51.8 million. This positioned the country as the 39th largest tea importer in the world that year, while tea ranked as the 144th most imported product in Algeria. The demand for tea within the country was evident, as Algeria heavily relied on imports to meet domestic consumption needs.
China, a major tea-producing nation, emerged as the primary source of tea imports for Algeria, accounting for the majority of the import value with $50.3 million. Egypt followed as a distant second, supplying $466 thousand, while Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, and Spain also played significant roles in the tea import market, contributing $229 thousand, $210 thousand, and $196 thousand, respectively.
Similar to the export market, Algeria’s tea imports also experienced notable growth in specific markets between 2020 and 2021. China, Spain, and the United Arab Emirates were the fastest-growing import markets for tea in Algeria during this period. Algeria witnessed a substantial increase of $3.16 million in tea imports from China, followed by Spain with $194 thousand, and the United Arab Emirates with $144 thousand.
| Continent | Country | Trade Value |
| Africa | Egypt | 466,319 |
| Africa | Morocco | 57,192 |
| Africa | Niger | 91,900 |
| Asia | United Arab Emirates | 209,548 |
| Asia | China | 50,268,470 |
| Asia | Hong Kong | 77,483 |
| Asia | India | 121,747 |
| Asia | South Korea | 14 |
| Asia | Sri Lanka | 229,257 |
| Asia | Pakistan | 611 |
| Asia | Turkey | 47,296 |
| Asia | Chinese Taipei | 72 |
| Europe | Belgium | 7 |
| Europe | Spain | 196,058 |
| Europe | France | 35,329 |
| Europe | Portugal | 4 |
Conclusion
Tea continues to hold significant importance in Algeria’s international trade, with the country actively participating as both an exporter and importer. Algeria’s success as an exporter is evident, with its tea finding favorable markets in France, Spain, and Canada. Simultaneously, the country’s reliance on tea imports underscores its appreciation for this beloved beverage.
China’s pivotal role as the primary tea supplier to Algeria underscores the strong trade ties between the two countries. Additionally, Egypt, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, and Spain contribute significantly to Algeria’s tea import market.
As Algeria continues to engage in the global tea market, fostering strategic trade relationships and monitoring market trends will be essential to leverage its position as a tea trader. With dedication and foresight, Algeria can navigate the tea trade landscape effectively, promoting economic growth and sharing the joy of tea with its people and the world.
Data: BACI