Top Tea Importers in Europe

In 2021 the top importers of Tea in Europe were Russia ($414M), United Kingdom ($294M), Germany ($237M), France ($176M), and Netherlands ($134M)

1. Russia

In 2021, Russia established itself as a significant player in the global tea import market, importing a total value of $414 million worth of tea. This placed Russia as the fourth largest tea importer worldwide. Interestingly, tea ranked as the 162nd most imported product in Russia during the same year.

Russia primarily sourced its tea imports from several key countries. Sri Lanka took the lead as the largest tea supplier to Russia, with imports amounting to $122 million. India followed closely behind, exporting tea valued at $86.7 million to Russia. China, known for its rich tea heritage, contributed $51 million worth of tea imports to Russia. Kenya and the United Arab Emirates also played notable roles in Russia’s tea imports, with values of $49.8 million and $25.7 million, respectively.

Between 2020 and 2021, Russia experienced significant growth in its tea import markets. China emerged as the fastest growing supplier, with an increase of $12 million in tea exports to Russia. Kenya and the United Arab Emirates also demonstrated notable growth, with increases of $6.21 million and $3.51 million, respectively.

When it comes to tariffs, in 2019, the average tariff rate for tea imports in Russia stood at 6.72%. It is worth noting that certain countries had higher import tariffs for tea. These countries included Botswana, Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, and Cape Verde, all of which implemented a tariff rate of 9.19% under the Russian Generalized System of Preference.

2. United Kingdom

In 2021, the United Kingdom solidified its position as a major player in the global tea import market, with tea imports reaching a value of $294 million. This placed the United Kingdom as the fifth largest tea importer in the world. Notably, tea ranked as the 346th most imported product in the United Kingdom during the same year.

The United Kingdom’s tea imports primarily originated from several key countries. Kenya emerged as the leading tea supplier to the United Kingdom, with imports amounting to $114 million. India followed closely behind, exporting tea valued at $42.4 million to the United Kingdom. Switzerland, known for its specialty tea offerings, contributed $18.5 million worth of tea imports to the United Kingdom. Malawi and Poland also played notable roles in the United Kingdom’s tea imports, with values of $15.5 million and $15.4 million, respectively.

Between 2020 and 2021, the United Kingdom experienced notable growth in its tea import markets. Switzerland stood out as the fastest growing supplier, with an increase of $5.5 million in tea exports to the United Kingdom. Burundi and India also demonstrated significant growth, with increases of $3.5 million and $3.22 million, respectively.

3. Germany

In 2021, Germany solidified its position as a significant player in the global tea import market, with tea imports reaching a value of $237 million. This placed Germany as the seventh largest tea importer in the world. Remarkably, tea ranked as the 580th most imported product in Germany during the same year.

Germany’s tea imports primarily originated from several key countries. India emerged as the leading tea supplier to Germany, with imports amounting to $55.2 million. China followed closely behind, exporting tea valued at $43.7 million to Germany. Sri Lanka, known for its renowned tea production, contributed $36 million worth of tea imports to Germany. Japan and the Netherlands also played notable roles in Germany’s tea imports, with values of $19.2 million and $11.9 million, respectively.

Between 2020 and 2021, Germany experienced noteworthy growth in its tea import markets. India stood out as the fastest growing supplier, with an increase of $14.2 million in tea exports to Germany. China and Japan also demonstrated significant growth, with increases of $9.79 million and $7.41 million, respectively.

When it comes to tariffs, in 2019, the average tariff rate for tea imports in Germany stood at 0.3%. It is worth noting that certain countries had higher import tariffs for tea. These countries included the Republic of the Congo, Algeria, Western Sahara, Gabon, and Libya, all of which imposed a tariff rate of 0.8% under the Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment.

4. France

In 2021, France solidified its position as a significant importer in the global tea market, with tea imports amounting to $176 million. This placed France as the 17th largest tea importer in the world. It is noteworthy that tea ranked as the 500th most imported product in France during the same year.

Germany emerged as the leading tea supplier to France, with imports valued at $50.2 million. Poland closely followed, contributing tea imports worth $50.1 million. China, known for its rich tea heritage, played a significant role with imports reaching $19.2 million. The United Kingdom and Sri Lanka also featured prominently in France’s tea imports, with values of $10.3 million and $6.42 million, respectively.

Between 2020 and 2021, France witnessed notable growth in its tea import markets. Germany experienced the fastest growth, with a substantial increase of $7.83 million in tea exports to France. Sri Lanka and Italy also showed promising growth, with increases of $1.82 million and $808,000, respectively.

Regarding tariffs, in 2019, the average tariff for tea in France was 0.3%. Among the countries with the highest import tariffs for tea were the Republic of the Congo, Algeria, Western Sahara, Gabon, and Libya, all subject to a Most Favored Nation duty rate treatment of 0.8%. These tariff insights provide valuable information on the trade regulations and market dynamics related to tea imports in France.

5. Netherlands

In 2021, the Netherlands imported $134 million worth of tea, ranking as the 19th largest tea importer globally. Within the Netherlands, tea was the 553rd most imported product. The primary sources of tea imports for the Netherlands were Germany ($24.8 million), Sri Lanka ($22 million), Poland ($15.6 million), India ($15 million), and the United Kingdom ($12.9 million).

Between 2020 and 2021, the fastest-growing import markets for tea in the Netherlands were the United Kingdom ($5.38 million), the United States ($1.6 million), and Germany ($1.35 million).

Regarding tariffs, in 2019, the average tariff for tea imports in the Netherlands was 0.3%. The countries imposing the highest import tariffs on tea were the Republic of the Congo, Algeria, Western Sahara, Gabon, and Libya, all with a Most Favored Nation duty rate treatment of 0.8%.

6. Poland

In 2021, Poland emerged as the 20th largest importer of Tea in the world, with a total import value of $129 million. During the same year, Tea ranked 431st among the most imported products in Poland. The main sources of Tea imports for Poland were Sri Lanka ($24.1 million), Kenya ($19.3 million), Germany ($18.6 million), India ($16 million), and China ($15.7 million).

Between 2020 and 2021, Germany experienced the highest growth as an import market for Tea in Poland, with an increase of $4.36 million. Sri Lanka followed closely with an increase of $2.48 million, and Vietnam with $446,000.

Turning to tariffs, in 2003, Poland faced an average tariff rate of 8.58% for Tea imports. Among the countries imposing the highest import tariffs on Tea were Botswana (Autonomous rates, 15%), Eritrea (Autonomous rates, 15%), Western Sahara (Autonomous rates, 15%), Gabon (Autonomous rates, 15%), and Libya (Autonomous rates, 15%).

7. Italy

In 2021, Italy established itself as the 26th largest importer of Tea globally, with imports valued at $82.9 million. During the same year, Tea ranked 609th among the most imported products in Italy. Spain ($16.5 million), Poland ($12.9 million), India ($9.68 million), Germany ($9.31 million), and Morocco ($6.37 million) were the main sources of Tea imports for Italy.

Between 2020 and 2021, Spain experienced the highest growth as an import market for Tea in Italy, with an increase of $15.5 million. India followed closely with an increase of $2.23 million, and the United Arab Emirates with $2.13 million.

Regarding tariffs, in 2019, Italy faced an average tariff rate of 0.3% for Tea imports. The countries imposing the highest import tariffs on Tea were the Republic of the Congo (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%), Algeria (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%), Western Sahara (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%), Gabon (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%), and Libya (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%).

8. Ukraine

In 2021, Ukraine emerged as the 28th largest importer of Tea globally, with imports totaling $70.8 million. Tea ranked 203rd among the most imported products in Ukraine during the same year. The main sources of Tea imports for Ukraine were Sri Lanka ($22.2 million), Russia ($16 million), China ($6.95 million), India ($5.18 million), and Kenya ($4.84 million).

Between 2020 and 2021, Russia experienced the highest growth as an import market for Tea in Ukraine, with an increase of $1.19 million. China followed closely with an increase of $646,000, and Azerbaijan with $516,000.

Turning to tariffs, in 2018, Ukraine faced an average tariff rate of 8.6% for Tea imports. The countries imposing the highest import tariffs on Tea were Angola (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 10%), Burundi (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 10%), Benin (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 10%), Burkina Faso (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 10%), and Botswana (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 10%).

9. Belgium

In 2021, Belgium solidified its position as the 29th largest importer of Tea worldwide, with imports amounting to $70.4 million. During the same year, Tea ranked 588th among the most imported products in Belgium. The primary sources of Tea imports for Belgium were France ($12.3 million), Sri Lanka ($11.9 million), the Netherlands ($10.5 million), China ($9.8 million), and Germany ($7.06 million).

Between 2020 and 2021, Sri Lanka experienced the highest growth as an import market for Tea in Belgium, with an increase of $3.5 million. China followed closely with an increase of $1.99 million, and France with $1.34 million.

Regarding tariffs, in 2019, Belgium faced an average tariff rate of 0.3% for Tea imports. The countries imposing the highest import tariffs on Tea were the Republic of the Congo (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%), Algeria (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%), Western Sahara (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%), Gabon (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%), and Libya (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%).

10. Spain

In 2021, Spain established itself as the 37th largest importer of Tea globally, with imports totaling $53.3 million. Tea ranked 642nd among the most imported products in Spain during the same year. The primary sources of Tea imports for Spain were the Netherlands ($13.2 million), Germany ($11 million), China ($6.46 million), France ($5.11 million), and the United Kingdom ($3.1 million).

Between 2020 and 2021, France experienced the highest growth as an import market for Tea in Spain, with an increase of $2.29 million. Hungary followed closely with an increase of $872,000, and Germany with $665,000.

Regarding tariffs, in 2019, Spain faced an average tariff rate of 0.3% for Tea imports. The countries imposing the highest import tariffs on Tea were the Republic of the Congo (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%), Algeria (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%), Western Sahara (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%), Gabon (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%), and Libya (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%).

11. Ireland

In 2021, Ireland emerged as the 43rd largest importer of Tea worldwide, with imports amounting to $43.3 million. Tea ranked 326th among the most imported products in Ireland during the same year. The primary sources of Tea imports for Ireland were the United Kingdom ($26.7 million), Kenya ($7.76 million), India ($3.61 million), the Netherlands ($1.46 million), and Rwanda ($835,000).

Between 2020 and 2021, the Netherlands experienced the highest growth as an import market for Tea in Ireland, with an increase of $1.04 million. Kenya followed closely with an increase of $916,000, and India with $386,000.

Regarding tariffs, in 2019, Ireland faced an average tariff rate of 0.3% for Tea imports. The countries imposing the highest import tariffs on Tea were the Republic of the Congo (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%), Algeria (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%), Western Sahara (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%), Gabon (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%), and Libya (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%).

12. Switzerland

In 2021, Switzerland established itself as the 44th largest importer of Tea globally, with imports amounting to $40.6 million. Tea ranked 555th among the most imported products in Switzerland during the same year. The main sources of Tea imports for Switzerland were Germany ($11.4 million), Kenya ($7.2 million), France ($2.83 million), the United Kingdom ($2.58 million), and India ($2.26 million).

Between 2020 and 2021, Kenya experienced the highest growth as an import market for Tea in Switzerland, with an increase of $1.89 million. France followed closely with an increase of $822,000, and the Netherlands with $810,000.

13. Belarus

In 2021, Belarus emerged as the 50th largest importer of Tea worldwide, with imports totaling $36.4 million. Tea ranked 214th among the most imported products in Belarus during the same year. The primary sources of Tea imports for Belarus were Russia ($29.5 million), Sri Lanka ($3.3 million), Ukraine ($1.57 million), Turkey ($361,000), and Vietnam ($292,000).

Between 2020 and 2021, Russia experienced the highest growth as an import market for Tea in Belarus, with an increase of $1.41 million. Sri Lanka followed closely with an increase of $672,000, and Turkey with $258,000.

Regarding tariffs, in 2019, Belarus faced an average tariff rate of 6.72% for Tea imports. The countries imposing the highest import tariffs on Tea were Botswana (Belarus Generalized System of Preference, 9.19%), Cote d’Ivoire (Belarus Generalized System of Preference, 9.19%), Cameroon (Belarus Generalized System of Preference, 9.19%), the Republic of the Congo (Belarus Generalized System of Preference, 9.19%), and Cape Verde (Belarus Generalized System of Preference, 9.19%).

14. Sweden

In 2021, Sweden ranked as the 51st largest importer of Tea globally, with tea imports amounting to $35.9 million. Tea occupied the 544th position among the most imported products in Sweden during the same year. The primary sources of Tea imports for Sweden were Poland ($14.3 million), Germany ($7.92 million), Denmark ($3.46 million), Sri Lanka ($3 million), and India ($1.63 million).

Between 2020 and 2021, Denmark experienced the highest growth as an import market for Tea in Sweden, with an increase of $1.24 million. Poland closely followed with an increase of $1.22 million, and Germany with $839,000.

As for tariffs, in 2019, Sweden faced an average tariff rate of 0.3% for Tea imports. The countries with the highest import tariffs on Tea were the Republic of the Congo (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%), Algeria (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%), Western Sahara (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%), Gabon (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%), and Libya (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%).

15. Czechia

In 2021, Czechia emerged as the 54th largest importer of Tea worldwide, with tea imports totaling $26.7 million. Tea ranked as the 580th most imported product in Czechia during the same year. Czechia primarily imports Tea from Poland ($6.8 million), Germany ($6.12 million), Netherlands ($3.73 million), Sri Lanka ($2.14 million), and United Arab Emirates ($2.03 million).

Between 2020 and 2021, Germany experienced the highest growth as an import market for Tea in Czechia, with an increase of $1.41 million. Poland closely followed with an increase of $734,000, and China with $329,000.

Regarding tariffs, in 2019, Czechia faced an average tariff rate of 0.3% for Tea imports. The countries with the highest import tariffs on Tea were the Republic of the Congo (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%), Algeria (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%), Western Sahara (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%), Gabon (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%), and Libya (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%).

16. Austria

In 2021, Austria emerged as the 55th largest importer of Tea worldwide, with imports amounting to $26.4 million. Tea ranked 641st among the most imported products in Austria during the same year. The primary sources of Tea imports for Austria were Germany ($14.2 million), the Netherlands ($5.58 million), Poland ($2.24 million), Sri Lanka ($910,000), and Czechia ($744,000).

Between 2020 and 2021, Germany experienced the highest growth as an import market for Tea in Austria, with an increase of $1.68 million. The Netherlands followed closely with an increase of $651,000, and the United Arab Emirates with $458,000.

Regarding tariffs, in 1990, Austria faced an average tariff rate of 2.13% for Tea imports. The countries imposing the highest import tariffs on Tea were Mayotte (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 5.33%), South Sudan (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 5.33%), South Africa (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 5.33%), Antarctica (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 5.33%), and French South Antarctic Territory (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 5.33%).

17. Denmark

In 2021, Denmark solidified its position as the 66th largest importer of Tea globally, with imports amounting to $20.9 million. Tea ranked 572nd among the most imported products in Denmark during the same year. The primary sources of Tea imports for Denmark were Germany ($7.91 million), the Netherlands ($4.4 million), Sri Lanka ($2.35 million), Poland ($2.14 million), and the United States ($1.52 million).

Between 2020 and 2021, Germany experienced the highest growth as an import market for Tea in Denmark, with an increase of $1.07 million. The United States followed closely with an increase of $724,000, and the Netherlands with $571,000.

Regarding tariffs, in 2019, Denmark faced an average tariff rate of 0.3% for Tea imports. The countries imposing the highest import tariffs on Tea were the Republic of the Congo (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%), Algeria (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%), Western Sahara (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%), Gabon (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%), and Libya (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%).

18. Norway

In 2021, Norway entered the ranks as the 70th largest importer of Tea globally, with imports totaling $19 million. Tea held the position of the 527th most imported product in Norway during the same year. Norway primarily imports Tea from Poland ($8.48 million), Sweden ($2.44 million), Sri Lanka ($1.26 million), Germany ($1.22 million), and China ($1.11 million).

Between 2020 and 2021, Poland experienced the highest growth as an import market for Tea in Norway, with an increase of $1.41 million. The Netherlands followed closely with an increase of $374,000, and Denmark with $308,000.

19. Findland

In 2021, Finland ranked as the 77th largest importer of Tea globally, with tea imports amounting to $13.7 million. Tea held the 550th position among the most imported products in Finland during the same year. Finland primarily imports Tea from Poland ($3.68 million), Sri Lanka ($2.95 million), Germany ($1.83 million), Netherlands ($1.54 million), and India ($1.16 million).

Between 2020 and 2021, the Netherlands witnessed significant growth as an import market for Tea in Finland, with an increase of $1.25 million. Turkey followed closely with an increase of $320,000, and France with $250,000.

In terms of tariffs, in 2019, Finland faced an average tariff rate of 0.3% for Tea imports. The countries with the highest import tariffs on Tea were the Republic of the Congo (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%), Algeria (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%), Western Sahara (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%), Gabon (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%), and Libya (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%).

20. Lithuania

In 2021, Lithuania emerged as the 81st largest importer of Tea globally, with tea imports totaling $11.4 million. Tea ranked 470th among the most imported products in Lithuania during the same year. Lithuania primarily sources Tea from Poland ($2.98 million), Latvia ($1.93 million), Sri Lanka ($1.74 million), Russia ($1.54 million), and Germany ($985,000).

During the period from 2020 to 2021, the fastest growing import markets for Tea in Lithuania were Germany, experiencing an increase of $374,000, followed by Latvia with an increase of $302,000, and Russia with an increase of $192,000.

Regarding tariffs, in 2003, Lithuania faced an average tariff rate of 0.74% on Tea imports. The countries with the highest import tariffs on Tea were Angola (Conventional rates, 0.8%), Burundi (Conventional rates, 0.8%), Benin (Conventional rates, 0.8%), Burkina Faso (Conventional rates, 0.8%), and Botswana (Conventional rates, 0.8%).

21. Latvia

In 2021, Latvia ranked as the 82nd largest importer of Tea globally, with tea imports amounting to $11.3 million. Tea occupied the 341st position among the most imported products in Latvia during the same year. The primary sources of Tea imports in Latvia were Poland ($4.05 million), Russia ($3.33 million), Sri Lanka ($1.19 million), Lithuania ($675,000), and Germany ($423,000).

Between 2020 and 2021, the fastest growing import markets for Tea in Latvia were Russia, witnessing a growth of $546,000, followed by Belarus with an increase of $136,000, and Vietnam with an increase of $109,000.

Regarding tariffs, in 2019, Latvia faced an average tariff rate of 0.61% on Tea imports. The countries with the highest import tariffs on Tea were Republic of the Congo (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%), Algeria (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%), Western Sahara (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%), Gabon (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%), and Libya (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 0.8%).

22. Hungary

In 2021, Hungary emerged as the 84th largest importer of Tea worldwide, with tea imports totaling $10.9 million. Tea held the 659th position among the most imported products in Hungary during the same year. The primary sources of Tea imports in Hungary were the Netherlands ($3.57 million), Poland ($2.35 million), Germany ($2.04 million), Sri Lanka ($746,000), and Austria ($625,000).

Between 2020 and 2021, the fastest growing import markets for Tea in Hungary were the Netherlands, experiencing an increase of $510,000, followed by Sri Lanka with a growth of $425,000, and Austria with an increase of $113,000.

Turning to tariffs, in 2002, Hungary faced an average tariff rate of 34% on Tea imports. The countries with the highest import tariffs on Tea were Angola (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 34%), Burundi (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 34%), Benin (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 34%), Burkina Faso (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 34%), and Botswana (Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment, 34%).

23. Greece

In 2021, Greece secured its position as the 85th largest importer of Tea globally, with imports amounting to $10.6 million. Tea ranked 633rd among the most imported products in Greece during the same year. Greece primarily sourced Tea imports from Poland ($3.32 million), Sri Lanka ($2.29 million), Germany ($1.6 million), Pakistan ($631,000), and the Netherlands ($522,000).

Between 2020 and 2021, Greece witnessed notable growth in its import markets for Tea, with Poland leading the way with an increase of $1.07 million. Pakistan followed with a growth of $349,000, and Germany with an increase of $254,000.

In terms of tariffs, in 2019, Greece faced an average tariff rate of 0.3% on Tea imports. The countries with the highest import tariffs on Tea were the Republic of the Congo, Algeria, Western Sahara, Gabon, and Libya, all imposing a Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment of 0.8%.

24. Moldova

In 2021, Moldova ranked as the 90th largest importer of Tea worldwide, with tea imports amounting to $8.45 million. Within Moldova, Tea held the 198th position among the most imported products. The primary sources of Tea imports for Moldova were Russia ($5.14 million), Ukraine ($1.52 million), Sri Lanka ($316,000), Romania ($261,000), and Poland ($235,000).

Between 2020 and 2021, Moldova experienced notable growth in its Tea import markets, with Ukraine leading the way with an increase of $217,000. Belarus followed with a growth of $77,100, and Russia with an increase of $59,000.

Regarding tariffs, in 2016, Moldova faced an average tariff rate of 8.01% on Tea imports. The countries with the highest import tariffs on Tea were Angola, Burundi, Benin, Burkina Faso, and Botswana, all applying a Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment of 8.5%.

25. Albania

In 2021, Albania ranked as the 91st largest importer of Tea worldwide, with tea imports totaling $8.44 million. Within Albania, Tea held the 211th position among the most imported products. The primary sources of Tea imports for Albania were Sri Lanka ($8.19 million), Greece ($97.1 thousand), Germany ($94.1 thousand), Italy ($22.8 thousand), and Turkey ($12.7 thousand).

Between 2020 and 2021, Albania experienced significant growth in its Tea import markets, with Sri Lanka leading the way with an increase of $4.72 million. Germany followed with a growth of $36.2 thousand, and Greece with an increase of $19 thousand.

Regarding tariffs, in 2019, Albania faced an average tariff rate of 14.8% on Tea imports. The countries with the highest import tariffs on Tea were Angola, Burundi, Benin, Burkina Faso, and Botswana, all applying a Most Favoured Nation duty rate treatment of 15%.