Belize’s Tea Trade: Exports and Imports

Nestled on the eastern coast of Central America, Belize is a country of natural wonders and cultural diversity. While it may not be a prominent player in the global tea trade, Belize’s contribution to the industry is still worth exploring.

Tea Exports from Belize

In 2021, Belize exported a modest $2.05k worth of tea, positioning itself as the 164th largest tea exporter in the world. While tea is not a major export commodity for Belize, it still played a role in the country’s trade landscape, ranking as the 395th most exported product.

Interestingly, China stood out as the primary destination for Belize’s tea exports, accounting for the entirety of the export revenue. Despite being a small-scale export, Belize’s tea shipments to China showcased potential growth in the country’s budding tea trade. Notably, between 2020 and 2021, Belize experienced a remarkable surge in tea exports to China, with a value increase of $1.05k, reflecting a promising market trend.

Tea Imports to Belize

As a nation known for its diverse tastes and cultural influences, Belize imports a significant amount of tea to cater to its residents and visitors. In 2021, Belize imported $929k worth of tea, positioning itself as the 149th largest tea importer globally. While not among the top importers, Belize’s enthusiasm for tea is evident in its imports.

The United States emerged as the primary supplier of tea to Belize, contributing a substantial $504k to the country’s tea imports. Following closely was Sri Lanka with $223k, and Mexico with $74.9k. The United Kingdom and India also played a role in fulfilling Belize’s tea demands, with imports worth $46.1k and $29.7k, respectively.

During the same period, Belize experienced noteworthy growth in tea imports, particularly from the United States. Compared to the previous year, Belize’s tea imports from the United States witnessed an impressive increase of $333k, indicating a growing preference for tea among Belizeans. Additionally, the United Kingdom and Mexico also displayed promising growth, contributing $41.3k and $31.6k more in tea imports, respectively.

Continent	Country	Trade Value
Asia	China	7,381
Asia	Hong Kong	31
Asia	India	29,721
Asia	South Korea	323
Asia	Lebanon	181
Asia	Sri Lanka	222,959
Asia	Thailand	89
Asia	Turkey	2,769
Asia	Chinese Taipei	1,987
Europe	United Kingdom	46,146
Europe	Ukraine	89
North America	Guatemala	108
North America	Jamaica	23,208
North America	Mexico	74,920
North America	United States	504,198
South America	Brazil	208
South America	Peru	14,306

Embracing the Global Tea Culture

While Belize may not be a major player in the global tea trade, its involvement in both tea exports and imports underscores the nation’s embrace of the worldwide tea culture. From cultivating and exporting a small quantity of tea to welcoming diverse tea varieties from across the globe, Belize showcases its appreciation for this beloved beverage.

As tea continues to captivate hearts and palates worldwide, Belize’s role in the tea trade illustrates how even smaller nations can contribute to the rich tapestry of tea culture. The country’s burgeoning tea exports to China and its increasing imports from various countries exemplify the universal appeal and significance of tea in fostering international connections and cultural exchanges.

In conclusion, Belize’s tea trade, though on a modest scale, reflects the nation’s openness to embracing global flavors and its eagerness to be part of the wider tea community. As Belizeans continue to explore the world of tea, the beverage’s soothing aroma and diverse flavors undoubtedly add a unique touch to the country’s vibrant cultural mosaic.

Data: BACI