Top Tea Importers in Asia

In 2021 the top importers of Tea in Asia were Pakistan ($622M), Hong Kong ($511M), United Arab Emirates ($264M), Malaysia ($227M), and Iran ($209M).

1. Pakistan

Pakistan emerged as the largest tea importer in the world in 2021, with imports totaling $622 million. Tea ranked 19th among the most imported products in Pakistan during the same year. The primary sources of Pakistan’s tea imports are Kenya ($471 million), Vietnam ($72.1 million), Rwanda ($33.1 million), Uganda ($14.3 million), and Burundi ($9.33 million).

The fastest-growing import markets for tea in Pakistan between 2020 and 2021 were Rwanda ($4.42 million), Vietnam ($2.87 million), and Malawi ($513,000).

In 2018, the average tariff rate for tea in Pakistan was 10.9%. The countries imposing the highest import tariffs on tea were Angola (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 11%), Burundi (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 11%), Benin (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 11%), Burkina Faso (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 11%), and Botswana (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 11%).

2. Hong Kong

In 2021, Hong Kong solidified its position as the third-largest tea importer in the world, with imports totaling $511 million. Tea ranked 110th among the most imported products in Hong Kong during the same year. Hong Kong primarily sources its tea imports from China ($460 million), Sri Lanka ($20.2 million), Japan ($8.63 million), Chinese Taipei ($7.32 million), and the United Kingdom ($4.15 million).

The fastest-growing import markets for tea in Hong Kong between 2020 and 2021 were China ($188 million), Sri Lanka ($3.48 million), and the United Kingdom ($2.76 million).

3. United Arab Emirates

In 2021, the United Arab Emirates emerged as the sixth-largest tea importer in the world, with imports amounting to $264 million. Tea ranked 161st among the most imported products in the United Arab Emirates during the same year. The United Arab Emirates primarily sources its tea imports from Sri Lanka ($98.4 million), Kenya ($68 million), India ($56.3 million), China ($11.6 million), and Poland ($4.15 million).

The fastest-growing import markets for tea in the United Arab Emirates between 2020 and 2021 were Sri Lanka ($58.6 million), India ($14.6 million), and China ($5.61 million).

4. Malaysia

In 2021, Malaysia ranked as the ninth-largest tea importer in the world, with tea imports reaching $227 million. Tea was the 192nd most imported product in Malaysia during the same year. Malaysia primarily imports tea from China ($185 million), Indonesia ($12.2 million), Japan ($4.51 million), Kenya ($3.69 million), and Chinese Taipei ($3.56 million).

The fastest-growing import markets for tea in Malaysia between 2020 and 2021 were China ($44 million), the United Arab Emirates ($1.24 million), and Japan ($1.04 million).

In 2016, the average tariff for tea in Malaysia stood at 2.5%. The countries with the highest import tariffs for tea were Angola (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 2.5%), Burundi (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 2.5%), Benin (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 2.5%), Burkina Faso (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 2.5%), and Botswana (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 2.5%).

5. Iran

In 2021, Iran made tea imports worth $209 million, positioning itself as the 11th largest tea importer globally. Among all imported products in Iran that year, tea held the 22nd rank. Iran primarily sourced its tea imports from India ($96.8 million), Sri Lanka ($75.8 million), Kenya ($19.2 million), United Arab Emirates ($8.1 million), and China ($4.68 million).

The fastest-growing import markets for tea in Iran between 2020 and 2021 were Kenya ($4.19 million), Oman ($2.31 million), and China ($1.84 million).

In 2011, Iran applied an average tariff rate of 31.7% on tea imports. The countries with the highest import tariffs for tea were Angola (with a Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment of 31.7%), Burundi (with a Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment of 31.7%), Benin (with a Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment of 31.7%), Burkina Faso (with a Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment of 31.7%), and Botswana (with a Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment of 31.7%).

6. Iraq

In 2021, Iraq recorded tea imports amounting to $207 million, establishing itself as the 12th largest tea importer globally. Among all imported products in Iraq that year, tea ranked 57th. Sri Lanka ($147 million), United Arab Emirates ($28 million), India ($20.2 million), Vietnam ($9.87 million), and Egypt ($372,000) were the primary sources of Iraq’s tea imports.

The fastest-growing import markets for tea in Iraq between 2020 and 2021 were Sri Lanka ($34.7 million), India ($4.3 million), and Vietnam ($4.24 million).

7. China

China, in 2021, had tea imports worth $200 million, positioning itself as the 13th largest tea importer globally. Among all the imported products in China that year, tea ranked 519th. China primarily imports tea from Sri Lanka ($64.2 million), Chinese Taipei ($32.3 million), United Arab Emirates ($25 million), India ($17.1 million), and Vietnam ($14 million).

The fastest-growing import markets for tea in China between 2020 and 2021 were the United Arab Emirates ($24.3 million), Sri Lanka ($3.81 million), and Rwanda ($3.1 million).

In 2018, the average tariff for tea imports in China stood at 11.7%. The countries with the highest import tariffs for tea were Burkina Faso (15% under Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment), Botswana (15% under Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment), Cote d’Ivoire (15% under Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment), Cameroon (15% under Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment), and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (15% under Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment).

8. Saudi Arabia

In 2021, Saudi Arabia emerged as the 14th largest tea importer globally, with tea imports amounting to $190 million. Tea ranked 176th among the most imported products in Saudi Arabia during the same year. Saudi Arabia primarily sources its tea imports from the United Arab Emirates ($65.5 million), Sri Lanka ($48.5 million), Jordan ($18.4 million), India ($17.3 million), and Yemen ($9.82 million).

The fastest-growing import markets for tea in Saudi Arabia between 2020 and 2021 were Jordan ($4.59 million), Oman ($740,000), and the United Kingdom ($260,000).

9. Japan

In 2021, Japan solidified its position as the 15th largest tea importer globally, with tea imports totaling $184 million. Among the various imported products in Japan that year, tea ranked 413th. Japan primarily imports tea from China ($54.2 million), Sri Lanka ($41.4 million), India ($22.1 million), France ($9.55 million), and South Korea ($8.63 million).

The fastest-growing import markets for tea in Japan between 2020 and 2021 were South Korea ($8.19 million), Sri Lanka ($7.53 million), and Spain ($3.95 million).

In 2018, Japan imposed an average tariff of 10.4% on tea imports. The countries with the highest import tariffs for tea were Lebanon (with a Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment of 16%), Eritrea (with a Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment of 13.8%), Equatorial Guinea (with a Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment of 13.8%), North Korea (with a Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment of 13.8%), and Timor-Leste (with a Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment of 13.8%).

10. Vietnam

Vietnam emerged as the 16th largest tea importer in the world in 2021, with tea imports amounting to $182 million. Among the various imported products in Vietnam that year, tea held the 287th position. Vietnam primarily sources its tea imports from China ($107 million), Hong Kong ($34.3 million), Malaysia ($27.4 million), Indonesia ($4.19 million), and Sri Lanka ($1.77 million).

The fastest-growing import markets for tea in Vietnam between 2020 and 2021 were Hong Kong ($9.45 million), Malaysia ($6.52 million), and Sri Lanka ($669,000).

In 2018, Vietnam imposed an average tariff of 37.2% on tea imports. The countries with the highest import tariffs for tea were Angola (with a Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment of 40%), Burundi (with a Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment of 40%), Benin (with a Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment of 40%), Burkina Faso (with a Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment of 40%), and Botswana (with a Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment of 40%).

11. Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan imported $97.6 million worth of tea in 2021, ranking as the 24th largest tea importer worldwide. Among the imported products in Kazakhstan that year, tea held the 131st position. The primary sources of tea imports in Kazakhstan are Kenya ($32.3 million), Russia ($22.6 million), India ($17.3 million), China ($10.2 million), and Rwanda ($9.01 million).

The fastest-growing import markets for tea in Kazakhstan between 2020 and 2021 were China ($7.61 million), Russia ($5.18 million), and Rwanda ($2.02 million).

In 2019, the average tariff for tea imports in Kazakhstan stood at 5.87%. The countries with the highest import tariffs for tea were Botswana (7.69% under the Kazakhstan Generalized System of Preference), Cote d’Ivoire (7.69% under the Kazakhstan Generalized System of Preference), Cameroon (7.69% under the Kazakhstan Generalized System of Preference), Republic of the Congo (7.69% under the Kazakhstan Generalized System of Preference), and Cape Verde (7.69% under the Kazakhstan Generalized System of Preference).

12. Chinese Taipei

In 2021, Chinese Taipei imported $89.1 million worth of tea, ranking as the 25th largest tea importer globally. Among the imported products in Chinese Taipei that year, tea occupied the 360th position. The primary sources of tea imports in Chinese Taipei are Vietnam ($28.8 million), Sri Lanka ($20.5 million), Japan ($15.8 million), India ($7.05 million), and Indonesia ($4.66 million).

The fastest-growing import markets for tea in Chinese Taipei between 2020 and 2021 were Vietnam ($2.04 million), Hong Kong ($1.51 million), and China ($1.33 million).

13. Azerbaijan

In 2021, Azerbaijan imported $63.3 million worth of tea, ranking as the 31st largest tea importer globally. Among the imported products in Azerbaijan that year, tea occupied the 39th position. The primary sources of tea imports in Azerbaijan are Sri Lanka ($50.1 million), Russia ($5.95 million), Georgia ($2.24 million), India ($1.62 million), and Vietnam ($861k).

The fastest-growing import markets for tea in Azerbaijan between 2020 and 2021 were India ($647k), Turkey ($389k), and Rwanda ($280k).

In 2019, the average tariff for tea in Azerbaijan was 12%. The countries with the highest import tariffs for tea were Angola (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 12.5%), Burundi (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 12.5%), Benin (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 12.5%), Burkina Faso (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 12.5%), and Botswana (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 12.5%).

14. Uzbekistan

In 2021, Uzbekistan recorded tea imports amounting to $61.4 million, positioning itself as the 33rd largest tea importer worldwide. Within Uzbekistan, tea ranked as the 100th most imported product. The primary sources of tea imports in Uzbekistan are China ($42.4 million), Sri Lanka ($4.59 million), Kenya ($3.96 million), United Arab Emirates ($2.61 million), and Russia ($1.9 million).

The fastest-growing import markets for tea in Uzbekistan between 2020 and 2021 were China ($8.71 million), Sri Lanka ($1.63 million), and the United Arab Emirates ($1.25 million).

In 2015, the average tariff for tea in Uzbekistan was 20.8%. Among the countries imposing import tariffs on tea, the highest rates were observed in Angola (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 21.7%), Burundi (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 21.7%), Benin (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 21.7%), Burkina Faso (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 21.7%), and Botswana (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 21.7%).

15. India

In 2021, India’s tea imports amounted to $54.7 million, making it the 36th largest tea importer globally. Within India, tea ranked as the 555th most imported product. The primary sources of India’s tea imports are Nepal ($20.2 million), Kenya ($11.7 million), Iran ($4.14 million), Vietnam ($3.96 million), and the United Arab Emirates ($3.76 million).

The fastest-growing import markets for tea in India between 2020 and 2021 were the United Arab Emirates ($3.35 million), Iran ($2.38 million), and China ($589,000).

In 2018, the average tariff for tea in India was 97.2%. Among the countries imposing import tariffs on tea, the highest rates were observed in Angola (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 100%), Burundi (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 100%), Benin (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 100%), Burkina Faso (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 100%), and Botswana (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 100%).

16. Kuwait

In 2021, Kuwait imported tea worth $52.4 million, ranking as the 38th largest tea importer globally. Within Kuwait, tea was the 150th most imported product. The primary sources of tea imports in Kuwait are the United Arab Emirates ($34.7 million), Sri Lanka ($9.57 million), India ($2.51 million), Saudi Arabia ($1.33 million), and Egypt ($1.05 million).

The fastest-growing import markets for tea in Kuwait between 2020 and 2021 were Jordan ($492,000), Egypt ($231,000), and Poland ($175,000).

17. Yemen

In 2021, Yemen imported tea valued at $48.5 million, ranking as the 40th largest tea importer globally. Within Yemen, tea was the 53rd most imported product. The primary sources of tea imports in Yemen are Kenya ($42.5 million), United Arab Emirates ($2.79 million), Oman ($1.3 million), Sri Lanka ($833,000), and Rwanda ($414,000).

The fastest-growing import markets for tea in Yemen between 2020 and 2021 were Oman ($677,000), Rwanda ($251,000), and Kenya ($158,000).

In 2017, Yemen had an average tariff of 4.6% for tea imports. The countries with the highest import tariffs for tea were Angola (Most Favored Nation duty rate treatment, 5%), Burundi (Most Favored Nation duty rate treatment, 5%), Benin (Most Favored Nation duty rate treatment, 5%), Burkina Faso (Most Favored Nation duty rate treatment, 5%), and Botswana (Most Favored Nation duty rate treatment, 5%).

18. Jordan

In 2021, Jordan imported tea worth $46.5 million, ranking as the 41st largest tea importer worldwide. Within Jordan, tea was the 112th most imported product. The primary sources of tea imports in Jordan are Sri Lanka ($29.4 million), Kenya ($7.23 million), Saudi Arabia ($6.18 million), Egypt ($1.65 million), and United Arab Emirates ($1.08 million).

The fastest-growing import markets for tea in Jordan between 2020 and 2021 were Sri Lanka ($1.78 million), Saudi Arabia ($1.16 million), and Egypt ($719,000).

19. Thailand

In 2021, Thailand imported tea worth $44.7 million, ranking as the 42nd largest tea importer worldwide. Within Thailand, tea was the 512th most imported product. The primary sources of tea imports in Thailand are China ($25.2 million), Japan ($4.22 million), Indonesia ($3.54 million), Vietnam ($2.71 million), and Malaysia ($2.39 million).

The fastest-growing import markets for tea in Thailand between 2020 and 2021 were the United Arab Emirates ($1.43 million), Laos ($1.19 million), and Indonesia ($1.1 million).

In 2015, the average tariff for tea in Thailand was 87.6%. The countries with the highest import tariffs for tea were Angola (Most Favored Nation duty rate treatment, 90%), Burundi (Most Favored Nation duty rate treatment, 90%), Benin (Most Favored Nation duty rate treatment, 90%), Burkina Faso (Most Favored Nation duty rate treatment, 90%), and Botswana (Most Favored Nation duty rate treatment, 90%).

20. Syria

In 2021, Syria imported tea amounting to $40.4 million, ranking as the 45th largest tea importer globally. Within Syria, tea was the 20th most imported product. However, specific sources of tea imports were not available for Syria.

The fastest-growing import market for tea in Syria between 2020 and 2021 was Jordan, with an import value of $5.39 thousand.

In 2013, the average tariff for tea in Syria was 4.6%. The countries with the highest import tariffs for tea were Angola (Most Favored Nation duty rate treatment, 5%), Burundi (Most Favored Nation duty rate treatment, 5%), Benin (Most Favored Nation duty rate treatment, 5%), Burkina Faso (Most Favored Nation duty rate treatment, 5%), and Botswana (Most Favored Nation duty rate treatment, 5%).

21. Singapore

In 2021, Singapore imported tea worth $40.2 million, positioning itself as the 46th largest tea importer worldwide. Within Singapore, tea ranked as the 474th most imported product. Singapore primarily imports tea from Japan ($9.63M), China ($7.06M), Chinese Taipei ($4.53M), Indonesia ($3.92M), and Sri Lanka ($2.98M).

The fastest-growing import markets for tea in Singapore between 2020 and 2021 were Japan ($2.36M), Chinese Taipei ($870k), and Thailand ($722k).

22. Oman

In 2021, Oman imported tea valued at $38.1 million, ranking as the 49th largest tea importer globally. Within Oman, tea held the 180th position among the most imported products. The primary sources of tea imports for Oman were the United Arab Emirates ($19.9M), Burundi ($5.92M), Tanzania ($3.93M), India ($2.64M), and Kenya ($2.55M).

The fastest-growing import markets for tea in Oman between 2020 and 2021 were Kenya ($1.41M), India ($550k), and Singapore ($212k).

23. Afghanistan

In 2021, Afghanistan imported tea worth $30.7 million, positioning itself as the 53rd largest tea importer globally. Within Afghanistan, tea ranked 33rd among the most imported products. The primary sources of tea imports for Afghanistan were Pakistan ($10.5M), China ($10.5M), Kenya ($5.16M), United Arab Emirates ($2.09M), and India ($1.42M).

The fastest-growing import markets for tea in Afghanistan between 2020 and 2021 were Pakistan ($6.58M), United Arab Emirates ($984k), and Rwanda ($208k).

In 2018, the average tariff for tea imports in Afghanistan was 3.33%. The countries with the highest import tariffs for tea were Angola, Burundi, Benin, Burkina Faso, and Botswana, all subject to the Most Favored Nation duty rate treatment of 3.33%.

24. South Korea

In 2021, South Korea’s tea imports reached $23.9 million, placing the country as the 59th largest tea importer worldwide. Within South Korea, tea ranked 805th among the most imported products. The primary sources of tea imports for South Korea were China ($5.91M), Germany ($2.39M), Singapore ($2.2M), Sri Lanka ($1.92M), and the United States ($1.64M).

The fastest-growing import markets for tea in South Korea between 2020 and 2021 were the United Kingdom ($833k), the United States ($623k), and France ($482k).

In 2018, the average tariff for tea imports in South Korea was 285%. The countries with the highest import tariffs for tea were Brunei, Indonesia, Cambodia, Burma, and Malaysia, all subject to the Most Favored Nation duty rate treatment of 514%.

25. Indonesia

In 2021, Indonesia recorded tea imports worth $23.4 million, positioning the country as the 60th largest importer of tea globally. Within Indonesia, tea ranked 627th among the most imported products. The primary sources of tea imports for Indonesia were Vietnam ($6.52M), Kenya ($5.32M), Thailand ($2.31M), Japan ($1.85M), and China ($1.43M).

The fastest-growing import markets for tea in Indonesia between 2020 and 2021 were Japan ($447k), the United States ($262k), and the United Arab Emirates ($129k).

In 2018, the average tariff for tea imports in Indonesia stood at 11.8%. The countries with the highest import tariffs for tea were Angola, Burundi, Benin, Burkina Faso, and Botswana, all subject to the Most Favored Nation duty rate treatment of 12.5%.