Understanding Tea
Ethiopia’s Tea Trade: Exports and Imports
Tea, a cherished beverage enjoyed by people worldwide, has become a significant player in Ethiopia’s international trade. In 2021, Ethiopia showcased its active engagement in the global tea market, serving as both an exporter and an importer of this aromatic and beloved product.
Ethiopia’s Tea Exports
In 2021, Ethiopia’s tea exports reached a commendable value of $2.71 million, positioning the country as the 67th largest tea exporter globally. Tea claimed a notable standing as the 77th most exported product from Ethiopia in the same year, underscoring its significance in the country’s export portfolio. Ethiopia’s tea found its primary destinations in the United Kingdom, Pakistan, Switzerland, Poland, and Kenya, contributing to the nation’s active participation in the global tea market.
Among these destinations, the United Kingdom emerged as the leading recipient of Ethiopia’s tea exports, importing tea worth $1.86 million. Pakistan followed with $483 thousand, while Switzerland, Poland, and Kenya also played significant roles, importing tea valued at $106 thousand, $75.6 thousand, and $67.1 thousand, respectively.
One intriguing aspect of Ethiopia’s tea export market was the notable growth observed in certain destinations between 2020 and 2021. The United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Angola were the fastest-growing export markets for Ethiopia during this period. The United Kingdom, in particular, displayed remarkable growth with an increase of $209 thousand in tea imports from Ethiopia. Switzerland followed with $106 thousand, while Angola showed promising growth with $37.2 thousand in additional tea imports.
| Continent | Country | Trade Value |
| Africa | Angola | 41,262 |
| Africa | Comoros | 425 |
| Africa | Kenya | 67,076 |
| Africa | Nigeria | 1,434 |
| Asia | United Arab Emirates | 10,006 |
| Asia | Bahrain | 23 |
| Asia | Japan | 327 |
| Asia | Oman | 38 |
| Asia | Pakistan | 482,518 |
| Asia | Saudi Arabia | 340 |
| Europe | Belgium | 6 |
| Europe | Switzerland | 106,443 |
| Europe | Czechia | 6,862 |
| Europe | United Kingdom | 1,855,788 |
| Europe | Italy | 216 |
| Europe | Malta | 5 |
| Europe | Netherlands | 1,895 |
| Europe | Norway | 2,007 |
| Europe | Poland | 75,644 |
| Europe | Slovakia | 9 |
| Europe | Sweden | 227 |
| North America | Canada | 9,300 |
| North America | United States | 39,544 |
| Oceania | Australia | 7,284 |
Ethiopia’s Tea Imports
In contrast to its tea exports, Ethiopia’s tea imports were relatively modest in 2021, reaching a total of $327 thousand. This positioned the country as the 172nd largest tea importer in the world that year, while tea ranked as the 719th most imported product in Ethiopia. Despite being a tea-producing nation, Ethiopia still relied on imports to meet specific consumption needs and cater to diverse preferences.
Ethiopia primarily sourced its tea imports from Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, China, and Poland. Sri Lanka emerged as the primary source, accounting for the majority of the import value with $97.4 thousand. The United Arab Emirates followed with $56.6 thousand, while Turkey, China, and Poland also played significant roles in the tea import market, contributing $43.2 thousand, $37.7 thousand, and $36.7 thousand, respectively.
Similar to the export market, Ethiopia’s tea imports also experienced notable growth in specific markets between 2020 and 2021. Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey were the fastest-growing import markets for tea in Ethiopia during this period. Ethiopia witnessed a substantial increase of $71.6 thousand in tea imports from Sri Lanka, followed by the United Arab Emirates with $45 thousand, and Turkey with $41.4 thousand.
| Continent | Country | Trade Value |
| Africa | Kenya | 35,042 |
| Africa | Eswatini | 5 |
| Africa | Tanzania | 42 |
| Africa | South Africa | 163 |
| Asia | United Arab Emirates | 56,607 |
| Asia | China | 37,659 |
| Asia | India | 5,362 |
| Asia | Sri Lanka | 97,409 |
| Asia | Malaysia | 632 |
| Asia | Oman | 864 |
| Asia | Saudi Arabia | 98 |
| Asia | Thailand | 13 |
| Asia | Turkey | 43,217 |
| Europe | Belgium | 91 |
| Europe | Switzerland | 279 |
| Europe | Germany | 5,275 |
| Europe | France | 5,889 |
| Europe | United Kingdom | 449 |
| Europe | Italy | 1131 |
| Europe | Poland | 36,700 |
Conclusion
Tea continues to play a noteworthy role in Ethiopia’s international trade, with the country actively participating as both an exporter and importer. Ethiopia’s success as an exporter is evident, with its substantial tea exports finding favor in the United Kingdom, Pakistan, and other key destinations. Simultaneously, the country’s reliance on tea imports underscores its appreciation for this beloved beverage.
Sri Lanka’s pivotal role as the primary tea supplier to Ethiopia underscores the strength of trade ties between the two countries. Additionally, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, China, and Poland contribute significantly to Ethiopia’s tea import market.
As Ethiopia continues to engage in the global tea market, nurturing strategic trade relationships and keeping a keen eye on market trends will be essential to leverage its position as a tea trader. With dedication and foresight, Ethiopia can navigate the tea trade landscape effectively, promoting economic growth and delighting its people with the pleasures of tea.
Data: BACI