Understanding Tea

Rwanda’s Tea Trade: Exports and Imports

In the heart of East Africa, where rolling hills and lush green landscapes captivate the senses, lies Rwanda – a country with a thriving tea industry that has left an indelible mark on the global market. In 2021, Rwanda emerged as the 14th largest exporter of tea in the world, celebrating tea as the 4th most exported product from its bountiful land.

Tea Imports Exports

Rwanda’s Tea Exports

In 2021, Rwanda’s tea exports reached an impressive value of $90.1 million, solidifying the country’s position as a prominent player in the global tea trade. The enchanting aroma and distinctive taste of Rwandan tea have earned it accolades worldwide, as it continues to captivate tea enthusiasts.

Among the main destinations for Rwanda’s tea exports, Pakistan took the lead, importing a staggering $33.1 million worth of tea. The United Kingdom and Egypt followed closely, contributing tea imports valued at $12.7 million and $11.4 million, respectively. Kazakhstan and Kenya completed the list of top tea importers from Rwanda, showcasing an appreciation for Rwanda’s tea with imports worth $9.01 million and $4.39 million, respectively.

Between 2020 and 2021, Rwanda experienced significant growth in specific key tea export markets. Notably, Pakistan demonstrated remarkable progress, contributing an additional $4.42 million in tea imports from Rwanda. China and Kazakhstan followed suit, showcasing emerging potential with increases of $3.1 million and $2.02 million, respectively.

ContinentCountryTrade Value
AfricaBurundi7,384
AfricaBenin1,020
AfricaDemocratic Republic of the Congo6,796
AfricaEgypt11,350,173
AfricaEritrea325,083
AfricaKenya4,392,376
AfricaMorocco82,097
AfricaNigeria77,069
AfricaSudan3,007,625
AfricaSomalia227,810
AfricaChad6,181
AfricaTanzania3,481
AfricaSouth Africa1,105
AsiaAfghanistan399,042
AsiaUnited Arab Emirates519,359
AsiaAzerbaijan329,010
AsiaBangladesh10,137
AsiaChina3,500,206
AsiaIndonesia65,826
AsiaIndia436,309
AsiaIran317,231
AsiaJapan24,911
AsiaKazakhstan9,010,084
AsiaKyrgyzstan89,811
AsiaSri Lanka308,522
AsiaMacau26,493
AsiaBurma697,817
AsiaMalaysia967,891
AsiaOman7,098
AsiaPakistan33,094,084
AsiaSaudi Arabia603,720
AsiaSingapore3,635
AsiaTajikistan216,932
AsiaTurkey215,372
AsiaUzbekistan681,640
AsiaChinese Taipei1,881
AsiaYemen413,729
EuropeBelgium193
EuropeBulgaria8,713
EuropeBosnia and Herzegovina299
EuropeSwitzerland19,222
EuropeCzechia2,103
EuropeGermany1,897,777
EuropeSpain2,633
EuropeFrance22,309
EuropeUnited Kingdom12,676,651
EuropeIreland835,152
EuropeIceland1,138
EuropeMoldova300
EuropeNetherlands163,916
EuropeNorway4,479
EuropePoland88,065
EuropeRomania9
EuropeRussia1,595,832
EuropeSlovakia60
EuropeSweden100,109
EuropeUkraine319,053
North AmericaCanada103,397
North AmericaUnited States639,802
OceaniaAustralia141,846
South AmericaArgentina3,316
South AmericaBrazil7,259
South AmericaColombia66
South AmericaPeru52,817
South AmericaUruguay404
Table: Where Does Rwanda Export Its Tea (2021)

Rwanda’s Tea Imports

While Rwanda excels in tea exports, it also engages in tea imports to meet the diverse preferences of its own population. In 2021, Rwanda imported tea valued at $182,000, making it the 182nd largest importer of tea in the world. Tea ranked as the 581st most imported product in the country.

Among Rwanda’s tea import origins, Tanzania emerged as the primary source, contributing tea imports worth $79,200. The United Arab Emirates and China also played significant roles as tea suppliers, providing imports valued at $65,100 and $10,400, respectively. Kenya and Belgium completed the list of tea import origins, with imports worth $9,540 and $9,070, respectively.

Between 2020 and 2021, Rwanda’s tea import market witnessed substantial growth in specific key markets. Notably, the United Arab Emirates demonstrated impressive progress, contributing an additional $39,200 in tea imports. Belgium followed suit, showcasing emerging potential with an increase of $6,370, while China contributed an additional $2,590 in tea imports.

ContinentCountryTrade Value
AfricaKenya9,540
AfricaTanzania79,249
AfricaSouth Africa55
AsiaUnited Arab Emirates65,137
AsiaChina10,352
AsiaHong Kong176
AsiaIndia2,429
AsiaSouth Korea248
AsiaMalaysia85
AsiaPakistan740
AsiaThailand35
AsiaTurkey185
EuropeBelgium9,070
EuropeGermany1,420
EuropeDenmark597
EuropeFrance815
EuropeUnited Kingdom21
EuropeNetherlands409
EuropePoland352
South AmericaBrazil1,089
Table: Where Does Rwanda Import Its Tea (2021)

Conclusion

Rwanda’s journey in the global tea trade has been nothing short of extraordinary. As the 14th largest exporter and the 182nd largest importer of tea in the world, Rwanda has carved a significant place for itself in the tea industry. The enchanting flavors of Rwandan tea have traveled far and wide, finding homes in countries like Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and Egypt.

As the sun rises over Rwanda’s picturesque tea plantations, the country’s journey in the tea industry continues to evolve, offering the world a taste of its exquisite brew. As tea enthusiasts around the globe savor the flavors of Rwanda’s finest tea, Rwanda’s role in the global tea market will undoubtedly continue to grow, one aromatic sip at a time.

Data: BACI

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