Brunei, a small Southeast Asian nation, has its presence in the global tea trade, albeit on a modest scale.

Tea Exports from Brunei
In 2021, Brunei exported tea valued at $23.1 thousand, placing it as the 134th largest tea exporter globally. Among Brunei’s export commodities, tea ranked as the 314th most exported product during the same year. The primary destination for Brunei’s tea exports was Malaysia, accounting for $22.7 thousand, followed by Singapore at $346, Ireland at $61, Sri Lanka at $25, and Canada at $6.
Emerging Export Markets
Brunei witnessed notable growth in tea exports between 2020 and 2021, particularly in emerging markets. The fastest-growing export markets for Brunei’s tea during this period were Malaysia, with a significant increase of $9.57 thousand, followed by Singapore at $346 and Ireland at $61. These figures reflect the expanding demand for Brunei’s tea in these emerging markets.
Continent | Country | Trade Value |
Asia | Sri Lanka | 25 |
Asia | Malaysia | 22,680 |
Asia | Singapore | 346 |
Europe | Ireland | 61 |
North America | Canada | 6 |
Tea Imports into Brunei
In 2021, Brunei imported tea worth $2.26 million, ranking it as the 124th largest tea importer globally. Tea stood as the 237th most imported product in Brunei during the same year. Brunei primarily sourced its tea imports from Malaysia, amounting to $949 thousand, followed by Indonesia at $239 thousand, Singapore at $227 thousand, Thailand at $212 thousand, and Sri Lanka at $197 thousand.
Emerging Import Markets
Brunei’s tea imports experienced substantial growth between 2020 and 2021. The fastest-growing import markets for tea in Brunei during this period were Malaysia, with an increase of $302 thousand, followed by Thailand at $115 thousand and Chinese Taipei at $32.7 thousand. These figures highlight Brunei’s evolving preferences and the diversification of its tea sources.
Tariff Analysis
In 2019, the average tariff for tea in Brunei stood at 2.33%. Among the countries imposing the highest import tariffs for tea in Brunei were Angola, applying a Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment of 2.47%, followed by Burundi, Benin, Burkina Faso, and Botswana, all imposing the same Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment of 2.47%.
Continent | Country | Trade Value |
Asia | China | 31,385 |
Asia | Indonesia | 238,950 |
Asia | India | 50,816 |
Asia | Japan | 9,958 |
Asia | South Korea | 2,408 |
Asia | Sri Lanka | 197,215 |
Asia | Burma | 4 |
Asia | Malaysia | 948,618 |
Asia | Philippines | 105 |
Asia | Singapore | 227,292 |
Asia | Thailand | 212,419 |
Asia | Turkey | 164 |
Asia | Vietnam | 17,121 |
Asia | Chinese Taipei | 117,995 |
Europe | Germany | 1,999 |
Europe | France | 110 |
Europe | United Kingdom | 114,682 |
Europe | Italy | 62 |
North America | Canada | 4,011 |
North America | United States | 25,510 |
Oceania | Australia | 45,747 |
South America | Ecuador | 12,046 |
Vietnam Tea: A Popular and Reliable Choice for Brunei’s Imports
Vietnam tea has consistently been a popular and trustworthy choice for Brunei, thanks to its premium quality and competitive pricing. In 2021, Brunei imported tea from Vietnam with a total value of $17,121, marking a 4.8% increase compared to the previous year. Vietnam holds a significant position as an important supplier of tea to Brunei, catering to its tea requirements effectively.
Conclusion
Brunei’s tea trade showcases its modest presence in the global market. With increasing tea exports to Malaysia, Singapore, and emerging markets like Ireland, Brunei’s tea industry is gradually gaining recognition. Simultaneously, tea imports from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand highlight Brunei’s diverse range of tea sources and evolving consumer preferences. Understanding emerging markets and monitoring tariff policies will be crucial for Brunei’s tea trade growth. As Brunei continues to nurture its tea industry, fostering trade relationships and staying informed about tariff regulations will be essential to drive sustainable development and capitalize on new trade opportunities in this dynamic sector.
Data: BACI