Israel’s tea industry has been gaining prominence in recent years, with a growing export market and increasing tea imports.

Israel’s Tea Exports
In 2021, Israel solidified its position as the 68th largest tea exporter globally, with tea exports amounting to $2.53 million. Tea ranked as the 552nd most exported product from Israel during the same year. Notably, the United States emerged as the primary destination for Israeli tea exports, accounting for $932,000 in trade. Other significant export destinations included Japan at $341,000, Australia at $217,000, Palestine at $204,000, and Spain at $156,000.
Emerging Export Markets
Israel experienced notable growth in its tea exports between 2020 and 2021, with promising emerging markets. The fastest-growing export destinations for Israeli tea during this period were Australia, witnessing a substantial increase of $174,000, followed by Spain at $82,400, and the Netherlands at $53,100. These figures reflect Israel’s success in diversifying its export markets and expanding its global footprint in the tea industry.
Continent | Country | Trade Value |
Africa | Angola | 578 |
Africa | Botswana | 10 |
Africa | Ghana | 1,000 |
Africa | Nigeria | 12,481 |
Africa | Senegal | 440 |
Africa | Seychelles | 7 |
Africa | South Africa | 1,037 |
Asia | United Arab Emirates | 5,196 |
Asia | China | 25 |
Asia | Cyprus | 9,935 |
Asia | Hong Kong | 7,000 |
Asia | Japan | 341,294 |
Asia | Kazakhstan | 34,000 |
Asia | South Korea | 75 |
Asia | Sri Lanka | 3 |
Asia | Burma | 4,000 |
Asia | Nepal | 4 |
Asia | Palestine | 204,312 |
Asia | Singapore | 1,771 |
Asia | Thailand | 509 |
Asia | Turkey | 1,311 |
Europe | Austria | 3,256 |
Europe | Belgium | 20,651 |
Europe | Switzerland | 2,693 |
Europe | Czechia | 127 |
Europe | Germany | 12,357 |
Europe | Denmark | 4 |
Europe | Spain | 156,039 |
Europe | Finland | 400 |
Europe | France | 24,820 |
Europe | United Kingdom | 138,863 |
Europe | Hungary | 20,834 |
Europe | Ireland | 659 |
Europe | Iceland | 97 |
Europe | Lithuania | 1 |
Europe | Luxembourg | 28 |
Europe | Latvia | 75 |
Europe | Moldova | 3,746 |
Europe | Malta | 2,845 |
Europe | Netherlands | 74,316 |
Europe | Norway | 1,000 |
Europe | Poland | 1,319 |
Europe | Portugal | 12 |
Europe | Romania | 1,000 |
Europe | Russia | 133,714 |
Europe | Slovakia | 16,136 |
Europe | Slovenia | 3,193 |
Europe | Sweden | 1,000 |
Europe | Ukraine | 44,119 |
North America | Aruba | 3,000 |
North America | Canada | 68,071 |
North America | Panama | 4,000 |
North America | United States | 931,594 |
Oceania | Australia | 217,356 |
Oceania | New Zealand | 43 |
South America | Chile | 15,244 |
Tea Imports into Israel
In 2021, Israel emerged as the 74th largest importer of tea worldwide, with tea imports valued at $14.7 million. Tea ranked as the 538th most imported product in Israel during the same year. Israel primarily sourced its tea imports from Sri Lanka, amounting to a significant share of $6.95 million. Other noteworthy import sources included Russia at $2.71 million, Germany at $629,000, the United Kingdom at $553,000, and Turkey at $511,000.
Emerging Import Markets
Israel’s tea imports experienced notable growth between 2020 and 2021, signaling the country’s inclination towards diversified tea sources. The fastest-growing import markets for tea in Israel during this period were Italy, witnessing a substantial increase of $181,000, followed by Azerbaijan at $169,000 and Turkey at $161,000. These figures highlight Israel’s efforts to explore new tea origins and strengthen trade relationships with emerging tea suppliers.
Continent | Country | Trade Value |
Africa | Kenya | 121,733 |
Africa | South Africa | 488 |
Asia | United Arab Emirates | 423,256 |
Asia | Azerbaijan | 197,515 |
Asia | China | 411,648 |
Asia | Georgia | 32,436 |
Asia | Hong Kong | 10,614 |
Asia | Indonesia | 86,400 |
Asia | India | 195,973 |
Asia | Japan | 158,991 |
Asia | Sri Lanka | 6,948,526 |
Asia | Palestine | 328,120 |
Asia | Singapore | 14,495 |
Asia | Thailand | 643 |
Asia | Turkey | 510,933 |
Asia | Vietnam | 92,530 |
Asia | Chinese Taipei | 895 |
Europe | Austria | 9,531 |
Europe | Belgium | 64,820 |
Europe | Belarus | 42,399 |
Europe | Switzerland | 1,014 |
Europe | Czechia | 1,372 |
Europe | Germany | 629,455 |
Europe | Spain | 4,176 |
Europe | Finland | 4,612 |
Europe | France | 142,304 |
Europe | United Kingdom | 553,451 |
Europe | Greece | 166 |
Europe | Ireland | 168 |
Europe | Iceland | 19 |
Europe | Italy | 255,570 |
Europe | Lithuania | 54,000 |
Europe | Latvia | 63,000 |
Europe | Netherlands | 40,263 |
Europe | Poland | 345,659 |
Europe | Portugal | 118 |
Europe | Russia | 2,709,025 |
Europe | Ukraine | 149,034 |
North America | United States | 97,617 |
Vietnam Tea: A Popular and Reliable Choice for Israel’s Imports
Vietnam tea has consistently been a popular and trustworthy choice for Israel, thanks to its premium quality and competitive pricing. In 2021, Israel imported tea from Vietnam with a total value of $92,530, marking a 5.2% increase compared to the previous year. Vietnam holds a significant position as an important supplier of tea to Israel, catering to its tea requirements effectively.
Conclusion
Israel’s tea trade presents a vibrant landscape, with growing exports and a thriving import market. With expanding tea exports to the United States, Japan, and other destinations, Israel is carving a niche for itself in the global tea industry. Simultaneously, its significant tea imports from Sri Lanka, Russia, and other countries showcase Israel’s commitment to catering to domestic demand and diversifying its tea sources.
To sustain this positive momentum, Israel should continue to nurture trade relationships with existing partners while actively exploring emerging markets. By monitoring global tea trends, embracing sustainable practices, and ensuring quality standards, Israel can position itself as a prominent player in the tea industry. Optimal import strategies and an emphasis on local tea production will further enhance Israel’s tea culture, providing its consumers with a diverse and enriching tea experience while contributing to the global tea community.
Data: BACI