The Philippines, a country known for its vibrant agricultural sector, participates actively in the global tea trade.

Tea Exports from the Philippines
In 2021, the Philippines exported tea valued at $412k, placing it as the 97th largest tea exporter globally. Among the Philippines’ exported products, tea held the 692nd position during the same year. The main destinations for Philippine tea exports were the United States, accounting for $126k, followed by Canada at $94.9k, the United Arab Emirates at $37.5k, China at $27.8k, and Singapore at $25.6k.
Emerging Export Markets
The Philippines experienced significant growth in tea exports between 2020 and 2021, showcasing its ability to expand its market reach and seize new opportunities. The fastest-growing export markets for Philippine tea during this period were Canada, exhibiting remarkable growth at $43.8k, followed by China at $24.9k, and Saudi Arabia at $24.5k. These figures highlight the Philippines’ efforts to diversify its export destinations and tap into emerging tea markets.
Where Does the Philippines Export Its Tea (2021)
Continent | Country | Trade Value |
Africa | Kenya | 19 |
Africa | Nigeria | 336 |
Asia | United Arab Emirates | 37,546 |
Asia | Bahrain | 1,491 |
Asia | Brunei | 105 |
Asia | China | 27,757 |
Asia | Cyprus | 1,720 |
Asia | Hong Kong | 7,614 |
Asia | Indonesia | 577 |
Asia | Cambodia | 1,995 |
Asia | South Korea | 1,099 |
Asia | Kuwait | 176 |
Asia | Macau | 1,783 |
Asia | Maldives | 140 |
Asia | Malaysia | 6,964 |
Asia | Oman | 301 |
Asia | Saudi Arabia | 24,459 |
Asia | Singapore | 25,606 |
Asia | Thailand | 39 |
Asia | Turkey | 331 |
Asia | Vietnam | 5,986 |
Asia | Chinese Taipei | 330 |
Europe | Austria | 178 |
Europe | Belgium | 1,108 |
Europe | Switzerland | 1,368 |
Europe | Czechia | 703 |
Europe | Germany | 97 |
Europe | Denmark | 157 |
Europe | Spain | 232 |
Europe | Finland | 467 |
Europe | France | 1,779 |
Europe | United Kingdom | 1,430 |
Europe | Ireland | 4,648 |
Europe | Iceland | 17 |
Europe | Malta | 90 |
Europe | Netherlands | 1,763 |
Europe | Norway | 11,788 |
Europe | Poland | 18 |
Europe | Sweden | 1,334 |
North America | Bermuda | 1,364 |
North America | Canada | 94,907 |
North America | Cayman Islands | 493 |
North America | United States | 125,913 |
Oceania | Australia | 7,914 |
Oceania | Fiji | 576 |
Oceania | Micronesia | 3,657 |
Oceania | New Zealand | 3,159 |
Tea Imports into the Philippines
In 2021, the Philippines imported tea worth $13.7 million, positioning itself as the 78th largest tea importer globally. Among imported products, tea ranked 633rd in terms of import volume in the Philippines during the same year. The Philippines primarily sourced its tea imports from Chinese Taipei, amounting to $3.21 million, followed by Indonesia at $2.63 million, Vietnam at $2.39 million, Sri Lanka at $859k, and the United States at $817k.
Expanding Import Markets
The Philippines witnessed substantial growth in tea imports between 2020 and 2021, indicating a rising demand for a diverse range of tea varieties from various sources. The fastest-growing import markets for tea in the Philippines during this period were Vietnam, experiencing a significant increase of $1.3 million, followed by Chinese Taipei at $479k and Malaysia at $262k. These figures underscore the Philippines’ pursuit of a broader selection of tea options to cater to the preferences of its tea-loving population.
Tariff Rates
In 2018, the average tariff rate for tea imports into the Philippines stood at 2.84%. Notably, countries such as Angola, Burundi, Benin, Burkina Faso, and Botswana applied a Most Favored Nation duty rate treatment with a 3% import tariff for tea. These tariff rates play a crucial role in shaping the Philippine tea trade landscape and influencing the choice of import sources.
Where Does the Philippines Import Its Tea (2021)
Continent | Country | Trade Value |
Africa | Botswana | 22 |
Africa | South Africa | 301 |
Asia | United Arab Emirates | 126,918 |
Asia | China | 700,205 |
Asia | Hong Kong | 41,138 |
Asia | Indonesia | 2,633,039 |
Asia | India | 268,897 |
Asia | Japan | 230,566 |
Asia | South Korea | 99,450 |
Asia | Sri Lanka | 858,748 |
Asia | Malaysia | 461,428 |
Asia | Pakistan | 874 |
Asia | Singapore | 211,628 |
Asia | Thailand | 60,538 |
Asia | Turkey | 4,563 |
Asia | Vietnam | 2,386,602 |
Asia | Chinese Taipei | 3,205,891 |
Europe | Bulgaria | 78,832 |
Europe | Switzerland | 88 |
Europe | Germany | 8,460 |
Europe | Denmark | 257 |
Europe | Spain | 14,670 |
Europe | Finland | 7 |
Europe | France | 1,378 |
Europe | United Kingdom | 578,816 |
Europe | Greece | 2,309 |
Europe | Ireland | 7,710 |
Europe | Italy | 7,317 |
Europe | Luxembourg | 48 |
Europe | Latvia | 7,617 |
Europe | Poland | 616,325 |
Europe | Serbia | 111,559 |
Europe | Sweden | 233 |
North America | Canada | 41,767 |
North America | Panama | 52,469 |
North America | United States | 817,190 |
Oceania | Australia | 52,730 |
Oceania | New Zealand | 3,275 |
Oceania | Papua New Guinea | 18,695 |
South America | Brazil | 384 |
South America | Paraguay | 5,211 |
Vietnam Tea: A Popular and Reliable Choice for the Philippines’ Imports
Vietnam tea has consistently been a popular and trustworthy choice for the Philippines, thanks to its premium quality and competitive pricing. In 2021, the Philippines imported tea from Vietnam with a total value of $2,386,602, marking a 1.8% increase compared to the previous year. Vietnam holds a significant position as an important supplier of tea to the Philippines, catering to its tea requirements effectively.
Conclusion
The Philippines, with its tea exports and imports, contributes to the global tea market while satisfying the diverse preferences of its tea enthusiasts. As an exporter, the Philippines serves markets including the United States, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, China, and Singapore. Simultaneously, as an importer, the Philippines sources tea primarily from Chinese Taipei, Indonesia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and the United States. With efforts to diversify export destinations, tap into emerging markets, and expand import sources, the Philippines strengthens its position in the global tea trade. The applied tariff rates further shape the dynamics of the Philippine tea market, encouraging trade partnerships and influencing the selection of import origins.
Data: BACI