Tea, a beloved beverage cherished by people worldwide, has also become a part of Gabon’s international trade. In 2021, Gabon showcased its engagement in the global tea market, serving as both an exporter and an importer of this aromatic and cherished product.

Gabon’s Tea Exports
In 2021, Gabon’s tea exports reached a humble value of $8, positioning the country as the 190th largest tea exporter globally. While tea may not have held the top position among Gabon’s export commodities, it still held a presence, ranking as the 491st most exported product from the country. Gabon’s tea found its main destinations in Seychelles and Angola, contributing to the nation’s engagement in the global tea market.
Among these destinations, Seychelles emerged as the leading recipient of Gabon’s tea exports, importing tea worth $5. Angola followed suit with $3, indicating the country’s appreciation for Gabon’s tea offerings.
The intriguing aspect of Gabon’s tea export market was the notable growth observed in certain destinations between 2020 and 2021. Seychelles and Angola were the fastest-growing export markets for Gabon during this period, with both nations showing increased demand for Gabonese tea.
Continent | Country | Trade Value |
Africa | Angola | 3 |
Africa | Seychelles | 5 |
Gabon’s Tea Imports
In contrast to its modest tea exports, Gabon’s tea imports were substantial in 2021, reaching a total of $2.02 million. This positioned the country as the 128th largest tea importer in the world that year, while tea ranked as the 200th most imported product in Gabon. The demand for tea within the country was evident, as Gabon relied significantly on imports to meet domestic consumption needs and cater to diverse preferences.
Gabon primarily sourced its tea imports from China, France, Togo, the United Arab Emirates, and Sri Lanka. China emerged as the primary source, accounting for the majority of the import value with $1.08 million. France followed with $476 thousand, while Togo, the United Arab Emirates, and Sri Lanka also played significant roles in the tea import market, contributing $157 thousand, $118 thousand, and $78.7 thousand, respectively.
Similar to the export market, Gabon’s tea imports also experienced notable growth in specific markets between 2020 and 2021. China, the United Arab Emirates, and France were the fastest-growing import markets for tea in Gabon during this period. Gabon witnessed a substantial increase of $228 thousand in tea imports from China, followed by the United Arab Emirates with $118 thousand, and France with $27 thousand.
Continent | Country | Trade Value |
Africa | Kenya | 64,069 |
Africa | Togo | 157,499 |
Asia | United Arab Emirates | 118,196 |
Asia | China | 1,080,309 |
Asia | India | 6,662 |
Asia | Lebanon | 1,292 |
Asia | Sri Lanka | 78,731 |
Asia | Turkey | 2,435 |
Europe | Belgium | 237 |
Europe | France | 475,749 |
Europe | United Kingdom | 26,496 |
Europe | Netherlands | 10,271 |
Conclusion
Gabon’s involvement in the global tea market, though modest, reflects its appreciation for this beloved beverage. As a tea exporter, Gabon enjoys favorable trade relations with Seychelles and Angola, which appreciate the quality of Gabonese tea. Simultaneously, as a tea importer, Gabon relies on key suppliers like China, France, and the United Arab Emirates to meet domestic demand for tea.
As Gabon continues to navigate the tea trade landscape, nurturing trade relationships with key partners and keeping an eye on market trends will be essential. With dedication and foresight, Gabon can further develop its tea trade, promoting economic growth and delighting its people with the wonders of tea.
Data: BACI