Understanding Tea

Uganda’s Tea Trade: Exports and Imports

Uganda, the East African nation renowned for its lush landscapes and diverse wildlife, has emerged as a prominent player in the global tea trade. In 2021, the country showcased significant growth both as an exporter and importer of tea, solidifying its position in the international tea market.

Tea Imports Exports

Tea Exports from Uganda

In 2021, Uganda’s tea exports reached an impressive value of $24.7 million, propelling the country to the 29th spot among the world’s largest tea exporters. The tea export industry witnessed substantial growth, marking a significant contribution to Uganda’s trade portfolio. The data further revealed that tea was the 18th most exported product from Uganda, underlining its increasing prominence in the country’s export mix.

Among the destinations for Uganda’s tea exports, Pakistan emerged as the leading market, importing tea worth $14.3 million. Kenya followed closely, with imports totaling $5.49 million, while Russia, China, and the United Arab Emirates accounted for $1.26 million, $851,000, and $667,000, respectively. These figures highlighted Uganda’s success in diversifying its tea export destinations.

Between 2020 and 2021, Uganda experienced remarkable growth in its tea exports to China, with an impressive increase of $504,000. Russia and Switzerland also demonstrated noteworthy growth as tea destinations, with increases of $460,000 and $343,000, respectively. These burgeoning export trends reflected Uganda’s successful expansion into emerging international markets.

ContinentCountryTrade Value
AfricaAngola984
AfricaBotswana138
AfricaEgypt198,899
AfricaKenya5,488,427
AfricaSouth Africa77
AfricaZambia33
AsiaUnited Arab Emirates667,425
AsiaChina851,387
AsiaIndonesia15
AsiaIndia103,794
AsiaSri Lanka23,307
AsiaMalaysia3,592
AsiaPakistan14,337,667
AsiaSingapore10,925
AsiaThailand8
AsiaTurkey10,308
EuropeBelgium4,654
EuropeSwitzerland343,348
EuropeCzechia1,605
EuropeGermany580,746
EuropeDenmark5
EuropeSpain57,965
EuropeFrance196
EuropeUnited Kingdom253,117
EuropeNetherlands61,947
EuropeNorway5,850
EuropePoland216,325
EuropeRussia1,256,137
EuropeSweden2,377
EuropeUkraine170,278
North AmericaCanada4,987
South AmericaArgentina16,325
South AmericaPeru31,494
Table: Where Does Uganda Export Its Tea (2021)

Tea Imports into Uganda

In 2021, Uganda imported a total of $423,000 worth of tea, positioning it as the 167th largest tea importer globally. Tea held a notable position among Uganda’s imported products, ranking 536th in terms of import value, emphasizing the country’s growing reliance on foreign tea sources.

Uganda’s primary sources of tea imports included Kenya, contributing a substantial $314,000, followed by Sri Lanka ($34,500), the United Arab Emirates ($32,900), Turkey ($15,100), and India ($14,300). These figures indicated Uganda’s preference for sourcing tea from neighboring countries and key international partners.

Between 2020 and 2021, Uganda witnessed significant growth in its tea imports from Kenya, with an increase of $68,400. The United Arab Emirates and Turkey also demonstrated notable growth as tea suppliers, with imports increasing by $13,400 and $5,260, respectively. These trends highlighted Uganda’s adaptability to changing market dynamics and its willingness to explore diverse tea sources.

ContinentCountryTrade Value
AfricaBotswana18
AfricaKenya313,594
AfricaSouth Africa1,071
AsiaUnited Arab Emirates32,941
AsiaIndia14,321
AsiaSri Lanka34,477
AsiaTurkey15,078
EuropeBulgaria4,202
EuropeGreece549
EuropePortugal6,387
Table: Where Does Uganda Import Its Tea (2021)

Conclusion

Uganda’s tea trade in 2021 exemplified a tale of success, with both exports and imports playing pivotal roles in the country’s trade landscape. As an exporter, Uganda’s soaring tea exports to Pakistan, Kenya, and emerging markets like China, Russia, and Switzerland signified its growing importance in the global tea market. On the import front, Uganda’s reliance on neighboring Kenya and other international partners demonstrated its pragmatic approach to meeting domestic tea demand.

The data for 2021 points towards a bright future for Uganda’s tea industry. By capitalizing on the fastest-growing export markets and actively fostering trade relationships with emerging import sources, Uganda can further solidify its position in the global tea trade. By nurturing its tea sector and exploring new market opportunities, Uganda can continue to thrive as a significant player in the international tea market, contributing to the country’s economic growth and deepening its ties with tea enthusiasts worldwide.

Data: BACI

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