Which Country is the Largest Producer of Tea in the World? Check Top 10 Country List Here

Top Tea Producer: China is the largest tea-producing nation in the world. It produces 3 million metric tonnes of tea annually, nearly 40% of the world’s annual production of tea. China grows very different tea like green tea, black tea, white tea, oolong tea, and Pu-erh tea. Each of China’s regions produces tea in their own way that depends on their type of tea, the climate, soil, and traditions. 

Famous Tea of China

Some of the most famous tea from China are Longjing from Zhejiang and Pu-erh from Yunnan as well as lesser-known varieties. Tea has been a part of Chinese life for thousands of years, and it is a daily drink as well as a tradition. China also exports tea by the boatload worldwide.

How Much Tea is China Producing?

China is producing over 3 million metric tonnes of tea every year. It is the world's largest tea-growing country. Even though tea plantations are found in many areas of China, it is safe to say that when it comes to producing tea, Yunnan, Fujian, and Zhejiang regions are among the best producers. Yunnan is known for producing stronger dark teas like black and Pu-erh teas, Fujian is known for white and oolong teas, and Zhejiang is known for fresh green teas.

Top 10 Tea-Producing Countries (2023–2024)

Source: FAO Tea Statistics Report (2023–2024)

China

China is the world's largest tea-producing country, with a tea history and heritage of thousands of years. It's the original home of tea and produces almost every type of tea, including green tea, black tea, oolong, etc. Tea is an integral part of Chinese culture.

India

India is the second largest tea producer in the world, specifically known for its strong black teas, such as Assam and Darjeeling. Tea forms a large part of India's individual daily lives and the economy. Indian tea is cultivated with a vast and rich history.

Kenya

Kenya is the number one tea producer in Africa and is a major producer of black tea and exports of tea. Kenyan teas are grown at many elevations, but they are known for their consistent quality and bright flavour. Kenyan tea is used in many of the popular tea blends around the world.

Sri Lanka

Formerly known as Ceylon, Sri Lanka is known for higher quality black teas. The tea from Sri Lanka is unique because of the variety of topography that produces certain types of tea flavors and quality. For example, bold black tea flavour (low grown), delicate black tea flavor (high grown).

Vietnam

Vietnam has a long history and tradition of growing tea and it's growing into a significant global market player. Vietnam grows a wide variety of teas, varying from green teas, black teas, oolong, etc.

Turkey

Turkey is unique among the world's leading tea producers, as it has the highest domestic consumption. Turkish tea or Çay is the most common black tea in the world, and is a tradition in everyday life.

Indonesia

Indonesia has a long history in the tea industry, with the majority of its production being black tea for the blending market. There is growing interest in Indonesia's organic and specialty teas, with some successes being achieved in these product categories.

Myanmar

Tea is deeply ingrained in cultural practices in Myanmar, where it is consumed in various ways: as dried leaves, fermented tea, or laphet, and sweet milk tea. The government is focused on developing quality products for domestic consumption and for export.

Iran

Hundreds of years ago, tea in Iran became the beverage of choice for its citizens. The country produces a small amount of black tea, used mostly for domestic consumption. Iranian tea grows in the North of the country along the Caspian Sea, near the major tea plantation green belt.

Bangladesh

Tea is an important crop in Bangladesh and has been planted for many generations. The tea industry in Bangladesh is committed to improving production; however, the country has experienced challenges, including changing weather patterns.

How Much Tea Does India Produce?

India is the second-highest tea-producing country in the world. It produces over 1.3 million metric tonnes of tea each year. Indian tea is popular for its robust flavour internationally, especially black tea. Most of India's tea comes from Assam, Darjeeling, and the Nilgiri Hills. Assam tea is bold and strong and comes from the northeast part of Asia. 

When is Tea Harvested?

When tea is harvested is based on the country and type of tea. In China, tea is generally picked in the spring months of March to May when green teas are at their best. In India the harvest is longer. Assam tea is harvested in the months of March through October. Darjeeling tea is harvested in three major seasons. In Kenya, tea is picked year-round as a result of the warm and consistent weather.

Why is Tea Different in Each Country?

Tea can taste different because it can be grown in many different places. The flavour of tea is affected by many different things, such as,  the weather, the soil, the altitude and the process of how the tea is made. For instance, tea grown in high mountains often has a more open and cleaner flavour. In China, the tea leaves are usually dried in a pan, while in India the tea leaves are rolled and fermented. This process they each perform determines the colour, smell, and strength of the tea.

Facts About Tea Production Around the World

1. China is the largest tea producer in the world. With more than 3 million metric tonnes per year, China dominates the global tea industry.

2. India is famous for Darjeeling and Assam teas. These teas are loved globally for their bold flavours and unique aroma.

3. Kenya leads in tea exports. Though not the biggest producer, Kenya exports most of its black tea output.

4. Green tea is mainly produced in China and Japan. These countries specialise in pan-fried or steamed green teas.

5. Tea is the most consumed beverage after water. Every day, over 3 billion cups of tea are consumed worldwide.