Top Tea Producing Countries

Tea, one of the world’s most popular beverages, is primarily produced in China, India, Kenya, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. China, the birthplace of tea, remains the largest producer, cultivating both green and black varieties. India follows closely, with Assam and Darjeeling teas renowned globally. Kenya has risen to prominence as Africa’s leading tea producer, focusing on robust black teas for export. Sri Lanka, formerly Ceylon, is famed for its high-quality Ceylon tea, while Vietnam has rapidly expanded its production, especially of green tea. Historically, tea originated in China over 4,000 years ago and was initially used for medicinal purposes. Its cultivation spread to Japan in the early centuries AD, and by the 17th century, European traders introduced tea to the West, igniting a global demand. The British established vast plantations in India and Sri Lanka during the colonial era, transforming tea into a major global commodity and shaping the economies and cultures of producing nations.

RankCountryMetric Tonnes
1China2,931,800
2India1,260,911
3Kenya569,500
4Turkey283,500
5Sri Lanka278,489
6Vietnam243,100
7Indonesia144,064
8Bangladesh89,931
9Uganda75,692
10Argentina73,890
11Japan69,800
12Malawi45,173
13Iran34,000
14Rwanda33,645
15Tanzania28,715
16Nepal24,118
17Myanmar23,000
18.5Zimbabwe15,000
18.5Thailand15,000
20Burundi11,300
21Mozambique6,800

Data from United Nations FAO Stat