Tea, one of the world’s most consumed beverages, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. While enjoyed globally, tea production is concentrated in specific regions with suitable climates and growing conditions. Here’s a look at the countries that grow the most tea worldwide.
China
China grows the most tea worldwide, responsible for approximately 3.0 million tons in 2023, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. As tea’s birthplace, China cultivates a remarkable diversity of varieties, from delicate white teas to complex oolongs and aged pu-erh. The country’s vast tea-growing regions span from Yunnan in the southwest to Fujian and Zhejiang in the east, each with distinctive terroir and traditions. Chinese tea production is characterized by both large-scale operations and small family farms preserving centuries-old methods.
India
India ranks second globally, producing approximately 1.34 million tons of tea in 2023. The country’s tea industry, established during British colonial rule, centers around three main regions: Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri. Assam, with its tropical climate and rich soil, produces strong, malty teas that form the backbone of many breakfast blends. Darjeeling, nestled in the Himalayan foothills, yields the “champagne of teas” with muscatel notes, while the Nilgiri highlands provide ideal conditions for aromatic, floral varieties.
Kenya
Kenya has emerged as the world’s third-largest producer and leading exporter of black tea, with production reaching approximately 569,000 tons in 2023. The country’s tea industry, concentrated in the highlands around the Great Rift Valley, benefits from consistent rainfall, rich volcanic soil, and high elevation. Kenyan tea is primarily processed using the CTC (cut, tear, curl) method, yielding a bright, strong brew perfect for teabags. The sector employs over half a million Kenyans and accounts for approximately a quarter of the country’s export earnings.
Sri Lanka (Ceylon)
Despite its relatively small size, Sri Lanka ranks fourth globally in tea production, with approximately 300,000 tons produced in 2023. Known historically as Ceylon tea, Sri Lankan varieties are prized for their clean taste and bright character. The island’s varying elevations create distinct growing regions: low-grown teas from coastal areas offer bold, full-bodied flavors, while high-grown teas from regions like Nuwara Eliya provide delicate, nuanced profiles. The tea industry remains central to Sri Lanka’s economy despite challenges from climate change and labor shortages.
Turkey
You might be surprised to learn that Turkey ranks fifth in global tea production, with approximately 246,000 tons produced annually. Tea cultivation is concentrated along the Black Sea coast, particularly in Rize province, where the humid climate and acidic soil create ideal growing conditions. Turkish tea culture centers around strong black tea served in distinctive tulip-shaped glasses. The country’s per capita tea consumption is among the highest globally.
Vietnam, Indonesia, and Bangladesh
Vietnam has rapidly expanded its tea production to about 174,000 tons, focusing primarily on lower-grade varieties for mass markets but increasingly developing specialty teas. Indonesia, with its tropical climate and volcanic soil, produces distinctive varieties across islands like Java and Sumatra. Bangladesh has established itself as a significant tea producer, with plantations primarily in the northeastern regions of Sylhet and Chittagong. The warm, humid climate and acidic soil create favorable growing conditions for robust black teas.
The Future of Tea Production
Climate change poses significant challenges to traditional tea-growing regions, with shifting rainfall patterns and temperature increases affecting both yield and quality. Meanwhile, emerging producers like Bangladesh, Argentina, and various African nations continue to expand their tea sectors, potentially reshaping the global production landscape in the coming decades.
This diverse global tea industry not only produces one of the world’s most beloved beverages but also supports millions of livelihoods across continents, connecting cultures through the simple pleasure of a perfect cup.
Were you surprised by which countries grow the most tea? Do you have any favorites among them? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
Help Support This Site
Please support my work in tea by joining my Patreon community. For $2-$5 a month, you’ll receive access to exclusive behind-the-scenes content, my private Discord server, surprise quarterly packages, and more!