Mongolia’s Tea Trade: Cultivating Flavorful Exports and Embracing Global Brews

Mongolia, known for its vast landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is gradually making its presence felt in the global tea trade.

Mongolia’s Tea Exports

In 2021, Mongolia exported tea valued at $37.3k, positioning itself as the 127th largest tea exporter globally. Tea stood as the 233rd most exported product from Mongolia during the same year. The main destinations for Mongolian tea exports were South Korea, accounting for the majority at $26k, followed by the United States at $6.25k, Russia at $2.28k, Czechia at $1.15k, and France at $762.

Emerging Export Markets

Mongolia witnessed significant growth in tea exports between 2020 and 2021, reflecting an increasing demand for its unique tea products. The fastest-growing export markets for Mongolian tea during this period were South Korea, experiencing substantial growth at $16.1k, followed by Czechia at $1.15k, and the United States at $662. These figures highlight Mongolia’s ability to tap into emerging markets and cater to the evolving preferences of tea connoisseurs worldwide.

Where Does Mongolia Export Its Tea (2021)

Continent	Country	Trade Value
Asia	China	150
Asia	South Korea	26,040
Asia	Thailand	34
Europe	Switzerland	152
Europe	Czechia	1,150
Europe	Denmark	16
Europe	France	762
Europe	Hungary	2
Europe	Russia	2,280
Europe	Sweden	336
North America	Canada	111
North America	United States	6,247

Tea Imports into Mongolia

In 2021, Mongolia imported tea valued at $5.67 million, ranking as the 100th largest tea importer globally. Tea stood as the 184th most imported product in Mongolia during the same year. Mongolia primarily sourced its tea imports from Russia, accounting for a significant share at $1.46 million. Other notable import sources included Sri Lanka at $1.2 million, China at $809k, Georgia at $501k, and the United Arab Emirates at $312k.

Expanding Import Markets

Mongolia experienced notable growth in tea imports between 2020 and 2021, indicating its willingness to explore a diverse range of tea flavors from around the world. The fastest-growing import markets for tea in Mongolia during this period were Russia, showcasing a substantial increase of $705k, followed by the United Arab Emirates at $251k, and Singapore at $148k. These figures underscore Mongolia’s efforts to diversify its tea offerings and provide its tea-loving population with a wider array of options.

Tariffs

In 2018, the average tariff for Mongolia on tea imports was 4.99%. While Mongolia maintains a relatively low average tariff, certain countries have higher import tariffs for tea, including Angola, Burundi, Benin, Burkina Faso, and Botswana, all imposing a Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment of 5%. Despite these tariffs, Mongolia continues to navigate the tea trade landscape, seeking opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Where Does Mongolia Import Its Tea (2021)

Continent	Country	Trade Value
Africa	Kenya	19,174
Africa	South Africa	783
Asia	United Arab Emirates	311,817
Asia	Bangladesh	121
Asia	China	808,553
Asia	Georgia	501,263
Asia	Indonesia	222,566
Asia	India	21,969
Asia	Iran	118
Asia	Japan	160,865
Asia	Kazakhstan	96,487
Asia	South Korea	180,336
Asia	Sri Lanka	1,198,208
Asia	Malaysia	26,969
Asia	Singapore	148,302
Asia	Thailand	79,326
Asia	Turkey	42,151
Asia	Vietnam	74
Asia	Chinese Taipei	8,815
Europe	Austria	128
Europe	Belgium	449
Europe	Czechia	13,889
Europe	Germany	91,595
Europe	Spain	374
Europe	France	21,569
Europe	United Kingdom	37,024
Europe	Italy	4,981
Europe	Lithuania	130
Europe	Netherlands	14,864
Europe	Poland	137,377
Europe	Russia	1,457,882
North America	Cuba	8,912
North America	Dominica	516
North America	United States	49,968

Potential Of Tea Import and Export Between Vietnam-Mongolia

While the bilateral trade between Vietnam and Mongolia may not currently reach significant levels, it is worth noting that Mongolia’s tea imports in 2021 amounted to a total value of $7. Recognizing this, it becomes evident that Vietnam, as a global leader in tea production and export, has immense potential to collaborate with Mongolia in introducing Vietnamese tea to the Mongolian market in the foreseeable future.

Conclusion

Mongolia’s tea trade represents its journey in the global market as it combines its distinct cultural heritage with the flavors of tea. As a tea exporter, Mongolia finds its main markets in South Korea, the United States, Russia, Czechia, and France, catering to the diverse palates of tea enthusiasts worldwide. Meanwhile, as a tea importer, Mongolia sources its tea primarily from Russia, Sri Lanka, China, Georgia, and the United Arab Emirates, enriching its local market with a wide range of tea varieties. By embracing emerging markets and embracing the global tea culture, Mongolia is positioned to establish itself as a notable player in the international tea trade, captivating tea lovers with its distinctive brews and fostering cross-cultural exchanges.

Data: BACI