Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, and its global trade continues to grow steadily.

From traditional black tea to premium green and specialty varieties, international demand keeps the tea export market active and competitive.

As we move into 2026, understanding the largest tea exporting countries, identifying the biggest tea exporter in the world, and tracking growth trends becomes important for traders, importers, and businesses linked to the tea industry.

In this blog provides a clear and easy-to-understand overview of the top tea exporter countries in 2026, based on recent trade data and market trends.

Global Tea Export Market Overview

The global tea export market is valued at over USD 7 billion and continues to expand with rising consumption in Europe, the Middle East, North America, and parts of Asia. Tea-producing nations in Asia and Africa dominate exports, while several European countries play a key role in blending, packaging, and re-exporting tea.

In 2026, tea exports are being shaped by factors such as changing consumer preferences, growth in specialty tea demand, improvements in logistics, and increased focus on value-added products. These elements together determine which country emerges as the highest tea exporting country.

Biggest Tea Exporter in the World

China remains the biggest tea exporter in the world going into 2026. The country leads global tea exports both in terms of value and product diversity.

China’s success is driven by its massive tea production capacity and its ability to supply multiple varieties such as green tea, black tea, oolong, white tea, and specialty teas. Chinese tea exports reach markets across Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America. While domestic consumption is also high, surplus production allows China to maintain its top position globally.

China’s export strength is not limited to volume. Increasing exports of premium and specialty teas have helped improve overall export value, reinforcing its position among the largest tea exporting countries.

Largest Tea Exporting Countries in 2026

Below is an overview of the leading tea exporter countries based on export value and global market presence.

1.    China China ranks first due to its large-scale production, diversified tea portfolio, and strong global distribution network. Its ability to supply both bulk tea and premium varieties gives it a competitive edge.

2.    Kenya Kenya is one of the most important tea exporters globally, particularly known for its black CTC tea. Kenyan tea is widely used in blends and is in high demand across the Middle East, Pakistan, Egypt, and the United Kingdom. Despite focusing on fewer varieties, Kenya’s consistent quality keeps it among the top exporters.

3.    Sri Lanka Sri Lanka, famous for Ceylon tea, is a major exporter of high-quality orthodox tea. Although production challenges have affected output in recent years, Sri Lanka continues to command premium prices in global markets due to strong branding and quality perception.

4.    India India is both a major tea producer and a key exporter. It is well known for Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri teas. Indian tea exports are strong in markets such as Russia, the Middle East, the United Kingdom, and Africa. India’s focus on expanding exports of specialty and packaged tea is supporting steady growth.

5.    Poland Poland plays an important role as a re-exporter. The country imports bulk tea, processes and packages it, and exports finished products to other European markets. This value-added role places Poland among the notable tea exporter countries.

6.    Germany Germany is another key European hub for tea blending and re-export. Although it does not produce tea, its advanced logistics and strong distribution channels allow it to export significant volumes of packaged tea.

7.    Japan Japan’s tea exports are smaller in volume but high in value. Premium green teas such as matcha and sencha are in demand worldwide, especially in health-conscious markets. This positions Japan uniquely among tea exporter countries.

8.    United Arab Emirates The UAE acts as a trade and redistribution hub for tea, supplying markets in the Middle East and Africa. Its strategic location and strong re-export infrastructure support its growing tea trade.

9.    United Kingdom The UK remains an important tea exporting country due to re-export and branding activities. Many international tea brands operate distribution and packaging facilities in the UK.

10. Vietnam Vietnam has emerged as a growing tea exporter, supplying competitively priced tea to Asian and Middle Eastern markets. Improvements in quality and processing are helping Vietnam strengthen its position.

Key Growth Trends in Tea Exports for 2026

One major trend is the increasing demand for specialty and premium teas. Consumers are showing more interest in green tea, herbal blends, organic tea, and single-origin products. Countries that invest in quality improvement and branding are benefiting the most from this shift.

Another trend is the rise of value-added exports. Instead of exporting bulk tea, many countries are focusing on packaged, flavored, or branded tea products. This approach helps improve export value even if volumes remain stable.

Sustainability and traceability are also becoming important. Buyers in Europe and North America prefer tea sourced from certified and environmentally responsible producers. Exporters aligning with these standards are gaining a competitive advantage.

What This Means for the Tea Industry

For importers and traders, understanding which countries are the largest tea exporting countries helps in sourcing decisions and risk management. Bulk buyers often rely on China and Kenya, while premium buyers look to Sri Lanka, India, and Japan.

For exporters, the focus in 2026 is on diversification, quality improvement, and market expansion. Countries that adapt to changing consumer preferences and invest in branding are likely to see stronger export growth.

Conclusion

The global tea export market in 2026 remains competitive and dynamic. China continues to dominate as the biggest tea exporter in the world, while Kenya, Sri Lanka, and India maintain strong positions among the highest tea exporting countries. At the same time, re-export hubs and specialty tea exporters are reshaping trade flows.

As global demand for tea evolves, countries that combine production strength with quality, branding, and market access will continue to lead the global tea trade. Tracking tea export data and trends is essential for anyone involved in the international tea industry.