Top Tea Importers in Africa

In 2021 the top importers of Tea in Africa were Egypt ($231M), Morocco ($224M), Ghana ($128M), Mauritania ($77.2M) and Libya ($67.2M).

1. Egypt

In 2021, Egypt solidified its position as a major player in the global tea market, with tea imports amounting to $231 million, making it the 8th largest tea importer in the world. Within Egypt, tea ranked 89th among the most imported products. Kenya took the lead as the primary tea supplier to Egypt, accounting for a significant portion with imports valued at $170 million. Other key tea import partners for Egypt included Jordan ($14.8 million), Sri Lanka ($11.4 million), Rwanda ($11.4 million), and the United Arab Emirates ($6.72 million).

During the period from 2020 to 2021, Egypt experienced remarkable growth in its tea imports from Kenya, which saw a substantial increase of $22 million. Additionally, Jordan ($11.5 million) and Rwanda ($1.2 million) emerged as fast-growing tea import markets for Egypt.

Regarding tariffs, in 2018, the average tariff rate for tea imports in Egypt stood at 1.64%. Among the countries imposing the highest import tariffs on tea, Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Botswana, and the Central African Republic had a Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment of 2%.

2. Morocco

In 2021, Morocco emerged as a significant player in the global tea market by importing $224 million worth of tea, ranking 10th among the largest tea importers worldwide. Within Morocco, tea stood as the 49th most imported product. China played a dominant role in Morocco’s tea imports, accounting for the majority share with $214 million. Other key tea import partners for Morocco included Germany ($3.06 million), France ($1.3 million), Poland ($1.2 million), and Japan ($713,000).

Between 2020 and 2021, Morocco experienced notable growth in its tea imports from China, which increased by $19.6 million. Additionally, Japan ($548,000) and Canada ($412,000) emerged as fast-growing tea import markets for Morocco during this period.

Turning to tariffs, in 2017, the average tariff rate for tea imports in Morocco stood at 14.7%. Notably, Angola, Burundi, Benin, Burkina Faso, and Botswana imposed the highest import tariffs on tea with a Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment of 17.5%.

3. Ghana

In 2021, Ghana emerged as a notable player in the global tea market, importing tea worth $128 million and securing the 21st position among the largest tea importers worldwide. Within Ghana, tea ranked 35th among the most imported products. The primary sources of tea imports for Ghana were China, contributing the majority with imports valued at $103 million, followed by Sri Lanka ($13.2 million), India ($8.38 million), the United Arab Emirates ($1.38 million), and Kenya ($998k).

Ghana experienced substantial growth in its tea imports between 2020 and 2021, with China leading the way with an impressive increase of $23.5 million. India and Sri Lanka also demonstrated significant growth as tea import markets for Ghana, with imports increasing by $5.14 million and $4.98 million, respectively.

Regarding tariffs, in 2018, the average tariff rate for tea imports in Ghana was 9.46%. Among the countries imposing the highest import tariffs on tea, Angola, Burundi, Botswana, the Central African Republic, and Cameroon had a Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment of 10%.

4. Mauritania

In 2021, Mauritania solidified its position in the global tea market by importing tea worth $77.2 million, securing the 27th spot among the largest tea importers worldwide. Within Mauritania, tea claimed the 12th rank among the most imported products. China emerged as the primary source of tea imports for Mauritania, accounting for the majority with imports valued at $75.8 million. Sri Lanka followed with a significant contribution of $1.22 million, while France, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates made smaller contributions of $67.2k, $26k, and $18k, respectively.

Mauritania experienced substantial growth in its tea imports between 2020 and 2021, with China leading the way by showing a remarkable increase of $15.7 million. Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia also demonstrated growth as tea import markets for Mauritania, with imports increasing by $94.5k and $26k, respectively.

Regarding tariffs, in 2018, Mauritania had an average tariff rate of 13% for tea imports. Among the countries imposing the highest import tariffs on tea, Angola, Burundi, Benin, Burkina Faso, and Botswana had a Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment of 13%.

5. Libya

In 2021, Libya made substantial strides in the tea industry by importing tea valued at $67.2 million, securing its position as the 30th largest tea importer globally. Within Libya, tea ranked as the 56th most imported product. Sri Lanka emerged as the primary source of tea imports for Libya, making a significant contribution of $49.2 million. China followed with imports worth $16.6 million, while the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Italy made smaller contributions of $642k, $637k, and $47.2k, respectively.

During the period between 2020 and 2021, Libya experienced notable growth in its tea import markets. Sri Lanka led the way with an impressive increase of $19.1 million, demonstrating a robust expansion in its tea exports to Libya. China also showed substantial growth, with tea imports increasing by $5.55 million. Additionally, the United Arab Emirates experienced growth as a tea import market for Libya, with imports rising by $433k.

6. Senegal

In 2021, Senegal demonstrated its growing importance as a tea importer by bringing in tea worth $62 million, securing its position as the 32nd largest tea importer worldwide. Within Senegal, tea ranked as the 35th most imported product. The primary sources of Senegal’s tea imports were China, contributing a substantial $57.1 million, followed by Sri Lanka with $3.3 million. India, France, and Kenya also played a role, with imports valued at $512k, $396k, and $349k, respectively.

Between 2020 and 2021, Senegal experienced significant growth in its tea import markets. China stood out as the fastest-growing market, with an impressive increase of $4.46 million in tea imports. India and Kenya also demonstrated notable growth, with imports rising by $326k and $117k, respectively.

Regarding tariffs, in 2018, Senegal had an average tariff of 9.46% for tea imports. The countries with the highest import tariffs for tea were Angola, Burundi, Botswana, Central African Republic, and Cameroon, all with a Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment of 10%.

7. Togo

In 2021, Togo solidified its position as the 35th largest tea importer globally, with tea imports valued at $56.9 million. Within Togo, tea ranked as the 23rd most imported product. Togo primarily sourced its tea from China, accounting for a significant portion of imports at $55.2 million. Other notable tea suppliers included Sri Lanka with $437k, India with $348k, Kenya with $254k, and the United Arab Emirates with $228k.

Between 2020 and 2021, Togo witnessed remarkable growth in its tea import markets. India emerged as the fastest-growing market, with imports surging by $75.6k. The United Arab Emirates and Kenya also experienced notable growth, with imports increasing by $63.3k and $56.9k, respectively.

As for tariffs, in 2019, Togo’s average tariff rate for tea imports stood at 9.46%. Among the countries imposing the highest import tariffs for tea were Angola, Burundi, Botswana, Central African Republic, and Cameroon, all applying a Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment of 10%.

8. Algeria

In 2021, Algeria stood as the 39th largest global importer of tea, with tea imports reaching a value of $51.8 million. Within Algeria, tea ranked as the 144th most imported product. The primary sources of tea for Algeria were China, accounting for the majority of imports at $50.3 million, followed by Egypt with $466k, Sri Lanka with $229k, the United Arab Emirates with $210k, and Spain with $196k.

During the period between 2020 and 2021, Algeria experienced notable growth in its tea import markets. China led the way as the fastest-growing market, with imports increasing by $3.16 million. Spain and the United Arab Emirates also exhibited significant growth, with imports rising by $194k and $144k, respectively.

Turning to tariffs, in 2018, Algeria’s average tariff rate for tea imports stood at 30%. Among the countries imposing the highest import tariffs for tea were Angola, Burundi, Benin, Burkina Faso, and Botswana, all applying a Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment of 30%.

9. South Africa

In 2021, South Africa emerged as the 47th largest global importer of tea, with tea imports valued at $39.8 million. Within South Africa, tea ranked as the 366th most imported product. The primary sources of tea for South Africa were Malawi, accounting for the largest share of imports at $15 million, followed by Zimbabwe with $7.48 million, Tanzania with $5.79 million, Sri Lanka with $5.23 million, and China with $2.76 million.

During the period between 2020 and 2021, South Africa witnessed significant growth in its tea import markets. Tanzania experienced the fastest growth, with imports increasing by $1.39 million. Zimbabwe and Poland also showed notable growth, with imports rising by $605k and $197k, respectively.

Shifting focus to tariffs, in 2019, South Africa had an average tariff rate of 2.25% for tea imports. Among the countries imposing the highest import tariffs for tea were Angola, Burundi, Benin, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic, all applying a Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment of 2.64%.

10. Sudan

In 2021, Sudan stood as the 48th largest global importer of tea, with tea imports valued at $39.3 million. Within Sudan, tea ranked as the 45th most imported product. Sudan primarily sourced its tea from Kenya, accounting for the majority of imports at $35.3 million. Other significant tea suppliers for Sudan included Rwanda with $3.01 million, Egypt with $670k, the United Arab Emirates with $190k, and China with $168k.

Between 2020 and 2021, Sudan experienced notable growth in its tea import markets. The fastest-growing markets during this period were Kenya with an increase of $35.3 million, followed by Egypt with $365k, and the United Arab Emirates with $128k.

Turning to tariffs, in 2017, Sudan had an average tariff rate of 8.75% for tea imports. Among the countries imposing the highest import tariffs for tea were Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Botswana, and the Central African Republic, all applying a Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment of 10%.

11. Mali

In 2021, Mali emerged as the 52nd largest global importer of tea, with tea imports amounting to $31.1 million. Within Mali, tea ranked as the 27th most imported product. Mali primarily sourced its tea from China, accounting for the majority of imports at $24.8 million. Other significant tea suppliers for Mali included India with $3.03 million, Senegal with $1.27 million, Kenya with $934k, and Sri Lanka with $591k.

Between 2020 and 2021, Mali experienced notable growth in its tea import markets. The fastest-growing markets during this period were China, with an increase of $10.9 million, followed by Sri Lanka with $441k, and Senegal with $269k.

Turning to tariffs, in 2018, Mali had an average tariff rate of 9.46% for tea imports. Among the countries imposing the highest import tariffs for tea were Angola, Burundi, Botswana, the Central African Republic, and Cameroon, all applying a Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment of 10%.

12. Gambia

In 2021, the Gambia emerged as the 56th largest global importer of tea, with tea imports amounting to $24.5 million. Within the Gambia, tea ranked as the 14th most imported product. The Gambia primarily sourced its tea from China, accounting for the majority of imports at $21.3 million. Other significant tea suppliers for the Gambia included Sri Lanka with $1.87 million, India with $770k, Egypt with $166k, and Poland with $100k.

Between 2020 and 2021, the Gambia experienced notable growth in its tea import markets. The fastest-growing markets during this period were Sri Lanka, with an increase of $683k, followed by India with $189k, and Poland with $100k.

13. Democratic Republic of the Congo

In 2021, the Democratic Republic of the Congo emerged as the 57th largest global importer of tea, with tea imports amounting to $24.4 million. Within the country, tea ranked as the 102nd most imported product. The Democratic Republic of the Congo primarily sourced its tea from Kenya, accounting for the majority of imports at $23.7 million. Other significant tea suppliers for the Democratic Republic of the Congo included France with $202k, South Africa with $194k, Belgium with $65.7k, and India with $63.6k.

Between 2020 and 2021, the Democratic Republic of the Congo experienced notable growth in its tea import markets. The fastest-growing markets during this period were Kenya, with an increase of $23.7 million, followed by South Africa with $58.4k, and France with $48.6k.

14. Nigeria

In 2021, Nigeria emerged as the 69th largest importer of tea globally, with tea imports amounting to $19.3 million. Within Nigeria, tea ranked as the 341st most imported product. Nigeria primarily sourced its tea from Kenya, with imports valued at $8 million. Other significant tea suppliers for Nigeria included Sri Lanka with $3.42 million, China with $2.28 million, India with $2.04 million, and the United Kingdom with $1.73 million.

Between 2020 and 2021, Nigeria witnessed notable growth in its tea import markets. The fastest-growing markets during this period were the United Kingdom, with an increase of $1.55 million, followed by China with $550k, and France with $158k.

15. Kenya

In 2021, Kenya’s tea imports reached $17.9 million, positioning the country as the 71st largest importer of tea worldwide. Within Kenya, tea ranked as the 205th most imported product. Kenya primarily sourced its tea from neighboring countries, with Uganda being the largest supplier at $5.49 million, followed closely by Tanzania at $4.46 million and Rwanda at $4.39 million. Other significant tea suppliers for Kenya included India with $2.22 million and Burundi with $357k.

Between 2020 and 2021, Kenya experienced notable growth in its tea import markets. The fastest-growing markets during this period were Tanzania, with an increase of $1.57 million, followed by India with $980k, and Iran with $326k.