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.
Rank | Country | Metric Tonnes |
---|---|---|
1 | China | 2,931,800 |
2 | India | 1,260,911 |
3 | Kenya | 569,500 |
4 | Turkey | 283,500 |
5 | Sri Lanka | 278,489 |
6 | Vietnam | 243,100 |
7 | Indonesia | 144,064 |
8 | Bangladesh | 89,931 |
9 | Uganda | 75,692 |
10 | Argentina | 73,890 |
11 | Japan | 69,800 |
12 | Malawi | 45,173 |
13 | Iran | 34,000 |
14 | Rwanda | 33,645 |
15 | Tanzania | 28,715 |
16 | Nepal | 24,118 |
17 | Myanmar | 23,000 |
18.5 | Zimbabwe | 15,000 |
18.5 | Thailand | 15,000 |
20 | Burundi | 11,300 |
21 | Mozambique | 6,800 |
Data from United Nations FAO Stat